The Gold Card For Seeking God's Will: Principles for Pleasing God in the Choices of Life

(adapted from McQuilkin, Robertson. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 2nd ed. Wheaton: Tyndale, 1995.)

I. Recieving Directions: Understanding the Will of God

A. Consult Scripture, the first and most important part of Divine guidance;

B. Pray for faith to trust God, for strength to obey, and for wisdom to understand;

C. Chruch. Seek Godly counsel from impartial, mature, wise Christians;

D. Reason is a gift of God but not infallible. Use it in combination with the above.

E. Have inner conviction that God is pleased in our choice that follows a decision.

II. Principles for Pleasing God in the Choices of Life

A. The Directed Life: Proverbs 3:5-6

1. Trust God.

a. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart," The supreme qualification for experiencing God's direction in life is faith. Faith is not merely passive; it is active obedience, actively seeking His will.

b. "and do not lean on your own understanding." This does not say that we should not use our own understanding, but that we should not "put our whole weight" on it, that we should not rely on it as people of the world do. Rather, we should rely on the Lord wholly.

2. Know God. "In all your ways acknowledge Him"

a. The word translated "acknowledge" is ususally the word "know" in the Old Testament. It is that profound Hebrew word that goes far beyong intellectual comprehension; it means to experience personally.

b. When used of man's relationship to God, like a man's relationship to his wife, it encompasses a life of intimate belonging, sharing and love. In other words, the promise of guidance is for the one who loves God and walks with Him daily, maintaining that intimate relationship.

B. Questions to ask on questionable or "gray" areas:

1. It it from the Lord? Does it bring praise to Him? (1 Corinthians 10:31; cf. Romans 14:6-8);

2. Can I do it in His name (on His authority, implicating Him)? Can I thank Him for it? (Col 3:17)

3. Can I take Jesus with me? Would Jesus do it? (Psa. 139:7; Gal 2:20; 1 Pe 2:21; Mt 28:19-20; Jn 14:16-17)

4. Does it belong in the home of the Holy Spirit? (1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 4:30)

5. Is it of faith? Do I have misgivings? (1 Jn 3:21; Rom 14:23)

6. Does it positively benefit, build up (not simply, "is it harmless?")? (1 Cor 14:26; Rom 14:19; 15:2; Eph 4:12-16)

7. Does it spring from, or lead to, love of this world and its value system? (1 John 2:15; Mk 9:47; 11:14-15)

8. Does it involve union with an unbeliever? (2 Cor 6:14)

9. Does it come from or have the potential of leading to bondage? (1 Cor 10:23)

10. Is the motive pride, or love? (1 Cor 8:1)

11. Is a godly mind-set the context of my decision on the matter? (Phil 4:8; Rom 12:1-2)

12. What does the church say about it? (Rom 14:18)

13. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus comes? (1 Jn 2:28; 3:2-3; Mt 24:44-51; Lk 23:34-35; 1 Thess 5:2-4)