James 4: 13-17
True Christians are characterized as “doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph 6:6). They joyfully, willingly pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done” (Matt 6:10).
In the broadest sense, God’s will is expressed in all the commands and principles of Scripture. For Christian, doing God’s will is an act of worship. It is to be done from the heart as a way of life, recognizing that He must energize us to do it. Acknowledging God’s will affirms His sovereignty over all aspects of life. We live only because God so wills it, for He controls life and death.
Marks of a Christian are love for God, repentance from sin, humility, devotion to God’s glory, prayer, love for others, separation from the world, growth, and obedience. But nothing more clearly summarizes the character of a genuine believer than a desire to do the will of God.
Someone has said that about 90% of God’s will for our lives is already revealed in the Bible. In other words, God has already unveiled what should be the primary direction of our lives, and as we obey those broad principles, He makes the details clear. If this is true, then a careful study and knowledge of Scripture is imperative for believers. Consider our own spiritual habits. How much time per week do we spend hearing, reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word?
Excerpt from James: Guidelines for a Happy Christian Life by John MacArthur
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