Just Do Something

1. God's will is not a hidden plan to be discovered, but a life to be lived

God does not burden us with the task of divining His will of direction for our lives ahead of time.

God's will demystified. Contrary to popular belief, God's will is not a mysterious, predestined plan that we must uncover. Instead, it's about living a life that honors Him. This shift in perspective frees us from the anxiety of trying to decipher hidden messages or signs from God.

Focus on what's revealed. God's will for our lives is clearly stated in Scripture: to seek His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33), to be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). By concentrating on these known aspects of God's will, we can make decisions with confidence, knowing we are aligning ourselves with His desires for us.

2. Stop obsessing over nonmoral decisions and focus on God's revealed will

The most important decision we face is the daily decision to live for Christ and die to self.

Prioritize what matters. Many Christians spend excessive time and energy agonizing over nonmoral decisions, such as which job to take or where to live. While these choices are important, they pale in comparison to the moral decisions we face daily.

Embrace God's revealed will. Instead of fixating on finding God's specific plan for our lives, we should focus on:

• Loving God and neighbor
• Growing in Christlikeness
• Seeking first His kingdom
• Living with integrity and faithfulness

By prioritizing these aspects of God's revealed will, we position ourselves to make wise choices in all areas of life.

3. Wisdom, not special revelation, is the key to godly decision-making

God wants us to stop thinking of God's will like a corn maze, or a tightrope, or a bull's-eye, or a choose-your-own-adventure novel.

Seek wisdom, not signs. God doesn't expect us to receive special revelations or divine messages for every decision. Instead, He calls us to pursue wisdom – the ability to apply Scriptural principles to real-life situations.

Develop godly discernment. Wisdom is gained through:

• Consistent study of God's Word
• Experience in applying biblical principles
• Seeking counsel from mature believers
• Prayerful reflection and consideration

As we grow in wisdom, we become better equipped to make decisions that honor God, even in situations not specifically addressed in Scripture.

4. Scripture, counsel, and prayer are the primary tools for gaining wisdom

God says, "Don't ask to see all the plans I've made for you. Ask Me for wisdom so you'll know how to live according to My Book."

Three pillars of wisdom. To make wise decisions, rely on:

1. Scripture: Study God's Word regularly to understand His character and principles.
2. Counsel: Seek advice from mature Christians who know you well.
3. Prayer: Ask God for wisdom, pure motives, and alignment with His will.

Practical application. When facing a decision:

• Search the Bible for relevant principles and commands
• Consult trusted friends, family, and mentors
• Pray for wisdom, discernment, and the ability to honor God in your choice

By consistently using these tools, you'll develop the wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges and opportunities.

5. Overcoming passivity: Just do something

Don't wait for the liver-shiver. If you are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you will be in God's will, so just go out and do something.

Take action. Many Christians become paralyzed by indecision, fearing they'll miss God's perfect will. This passivity is often rooted in fear, not faith. Instead of waiting for a clear sign or feeling, we should act on the information and wisdom we have.

Trust and move forward. Remember:

• God is sovereign and can use any decision for His glory
• Making a decision is often better than making no decision
• We grow in wisdom through experience, including mistakes
• God is more concerned with our character than our circumstances

By taking action and trusting God, we position ourselves to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world.

6. Finding a job: Seek righteousness, not perfect fulfillment

You can honor the Lord as a teacher, mother, doctor, lawyer, loan officer, or social worker; you can work in retail, fast food, politics, or big business; you can be a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker.

Work with purpose. Instead of searching for the perfect job that will fulfill all our desires, we should focus on how we can honor God in any occupation. This perspective shift allows us to find meaning and purpose in a wide range of careers.

Considerations for godly work:

• Is the job ethically sound?
• Can you provide for your family?
• Are there opportunities for ministry and growth?
• Can you work with excellence and integrity?
• Is there a strong church community nearby?

By prioritizing these factors over personal fulfillment, we can make wise career choices that align with God's will for our lives.

7. Getting married: Choose wisely, but don't wait for "the one"

Dump your list of the seventeen things you need in a wife and make yourself a list of seventeen things you need to be as a husband.

Reframe your expectations. Many Christians delay marriage while searching for a perfect spouse or waiting for a clear sign from God. Instead, focus on becoming the right kind of spouse and look for a compatible partner who shares your faith and values.

Guidelines for choosing a spouse:

• Shared faith in Christ
• Compatibility in values and life goals
• Mutual respect and attraction
• Support from family and friends
• Willingness to grow together

Remember that marriage is about commitment and growing together, not finding a flawless match. Trust God's sovereignty and make a wise choice based on the information you have.

8. Men: Take initiative in pursuing marriage and career

Men, if you want to be married, find a godly gal, treat her right, talk to her parents, pop the question, tie the knot, and start making babies.

Step up and lead. Many young men today struggle with passivity, delaying important life decisions. This not only affects their own growth but also impacts the women around them. Men should take initiative in:

• Pursuing meaningful careers
• Developing emotional and spiritual maturity
• Actively seeking marriage if desired
• Taking responsibility for their choices

By embracing these challenges, men can honor God and serve others more effectively.

9. Women: Consider long-term implications of career choices

There are too many fine Christian women sliding into careers they aren't sure they want to pursue, while they not so secretly wish they could be married and raise a family.

Plan with purpose. While pursuing education and career goals is admirable, women should consider how their choices might impact future family plans. This doesn't mean abandoning career aspirations, but rather making intentional decisions that align with long-term goals and values.

Considerations for women:

• Balancing career advancement with family planning
• Managing educational debt and its impact on future choices
• Exploring flexible career paths that accommodate family life
• Seeking wisdom from older women who have navigated similar decisions

By thoughtfully considering these factors, women can make choices that support their desires for both career and family.

10. Delayed marriage can lead to prolonged adolescence and complicated decisions

Delayed marriage can lead to a number of problems. For starters, it often lengthens adolescence and the youth culture that goes with it.

Consequences of waiting. While there can be benefits to marrying later in life, prolonged singleness often comes with challenges:

• Extended adolescence and immaturity
• Increased sexual temptation and struggle
• Complicated career decisions, especially for women
• Accumulation of debt that impacts future choices
• Difficulty transitioning to adult responsibilities

Balancing act. While not everyone should rush into marriage, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks of delaying it indefinitely. Seek wisdom in timing major life decisions, and don't let fear or unrealistic expectations hold you back from embracing adult responsibilities and commitments.

Last updated: November 18, 2024