The Soul Part 2

Back to the 3 perspectives or views of the will. Let us begin with the most crucial view: God’s Will. God has a divine plan and purpose for us and submitting to God’s will involves seeking His guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.  In a nutshell, God’s Word is His Will for His believers/followers.  There are many scriptures that point us to God’s Will in His Word, but I will just select 2:

1. Joshua 1:8 tells how we should meditate/ponder on the Word of God often, do what is said in the Word and then it will make our way prosperous or successful.
2. Proverbs 3: 5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and not lean to our own understanding. It further tells us to acknowledge Him in all our ways, then God will make our paths straight or guide us in the right direction.

The next perspective is the Human Will. Although it is a gift from God, the human will, can be influenced by sin and our selfish desires. Our God is such a gentleman that He does not force His way into anyone’s life on doing things that they really do not want to do.  Look at this example:  a person walking down the street is hitch hiking and wants someone to pick them up to go a couple miles. Now this will not happen unless drivers see the thumb up in the air. In the like manner, God is waiting for people to ask for his help or guidance before intervening in their lives. Mat 7:7 NIV says Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. To take it step further, James 4:2 says that you have not because you ask not.

 Which brings us to our final view or perspective of the Free Will which is the unrestricted choice whether to accept or reject God’s love and direction. This highlights personal responsibility in moral and spiritual decisions. Some Christians take this for granted and use the excuse of Grace.  However, those that decide to use their free will to make decisions, shouldn’t forget Galatians 6: 7-9 NIV says Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.