Ephesians 1:7-10: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
“Making known to us the mystery of his will.”
What in the world does that mean? Our culture makes a big deal about knowing God’s will. Particularly in college or soon after high school, we talk about “finding God’s will for our lives.” Somehow everything gets lumped into that one phrase, even taking the right classes, securing the right job, or dating the right person.
And it’s a mystery, right? Because we don’t want to face God’s correction if we get it wrong.
But what if that entire approach is wrong?
What if God’s will really is easy to decipher?
Ephesians 1:9 tells us that God has already made His will known to us, that it’s not a mystery anymore. Before I dive into what His will is, I just want to point out that this is in the same sentence, not just the same paragraph, that we hear about Christ’s redemption and forgiveness. The two are linked. We cannot know God’s will for us apart from knowing Jesus Christ. Why? Because His will is only achievable through the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
The word “will” is actually used in two different ways in the Bible. Those two ways never overlap. There is God’s overarching will: His big plan for the world. Jesus came to save the world, and God is not wanting ANY of us to perish (2 Peter 3:9). That’s God’s will. But His “will” that we are to concern ourselves with is much easier.
So what is His will?
It’s not a job description or a command to choose a certain neighborhood in which to live. Yes, God has a plan for those things within His bigger will, but instead, we are to focus on WHO we are rather than WHAT we do.
Here’s a small sampling of verses about our part of God’s will:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Now may the God of peace….equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Christ Jesus, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. ~Hebrews 13:20-21
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ~Romans 12:2 (The renewal of our minds is part of God’s will. Fill your mind with Scripture! That’s the only way to truly transform your mind and thus know God’s will.)
Every person has a God-given set of gifts, talents, and desires, that God directs as we choose careers and spouses. But the “will” God wants us to pour ourselves into deals with WHO He has made us. He made us to reflect Christ. The Word Christian means, ‘little Christs;’ in other words, people who imitate and reveal the message of Jesus. Because Jesus came, salvation is not hidden, but revealed to all. It’s up to us to display that in WHO He has and is making us.
God cares more about WHO we are than WHAT we do.