What Does God Want Us to Do?
Today we will talk about what does God want us to do. Many Christians do not know what this means. Our journey as followers of Christ involves understanding His desires for our lives. Various scriptures provide insight into His expectations, helping us shape our daily actions, choices, and interactions with others. This exploration into the Word of God will guide us in discovering our purpose and living a life consistent with His teachings. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and consider how to apply these lessons to our lives.
Living Out God’s Commandments
When we discuss what God wants us to do, the first major area we explore is living out His commandments. God has laid out clear guidelines for us, often referred to as commandments, that serve both as a moral compass and a way to foster community. The Hebrew word for commandment is “mitzvah,” which emphasizes not just rules but acts of love and kindness towards others. In Greek, the word for commandment is “entole,” which carries the implications of authority—suggesting that these directions come from God Himself.
Throughout the Bible, we’re reminded of these commandments. In Exodus 20:1-17, we find the Ten Commandments, fundamental principles that govern our relationships with God and one another. For instance, the first four commandments focus on our relationship with God, instructing us to have no other gods (Exodus 20:3) and to keep the Sabbath holy (Exodus 20:8). God’s desire is for us to prioritize our connection with Him, laying the foundation for our spiritual lives.
The last six commandments emphasize our social responsibilities, guiding our interactions with one another. For example, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15) highlight the sanctity of life and respect for others’ belongings. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets by stating that we must love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbors as ourselves. This love fulfills the essence of God’s commandments, reflecting His will for both our personal and community relationships.
Moreover, Jesus expands upon these commandments in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:17-20, He emphasizes that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, indicating that our actions must go beyond mere adherence to the rules. God desires authenticity and relationship over superficial compliance; He wants us to embody His love in our interactions with others, as seen in James 1:22 where we are encouraged to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
This journey to embody God’s commandments is not without challenges. We encounter situations where adherence to these principles may seem complex. However, the Holy Spirit serves as our guide (John 14:26). In essence, God wants us to lean on Him to fulfill these commandments, as Philippians 4:13 teaches us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. When we actively pursue a life grounded in His commandments, we reflect God’s heart to the world.
Serving Others
Another crucial aspect of understanding what God wants us to do is our call to serve others. In Mark 10:45, Jesus states that He did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This selfless model establishes a framework for our own lives: we are called to prioritize the needs of others, illustrating God’s love through acts of kindness and service.
The Biblical meaning of service is reflected in the Greek word “diakonia,” which denotes both an act of service and the role of a servant or minister. Serving others is not just about fulfilling duties; it is a heart posture that stems from genuine love and compassion. This is further emphasized in 1 Peter 4:10, which states that each of us should use our gifts to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. Thus, we are not only called to serve but to do so with the unique talents and gifts that God has given us.
When we serve, we embody the nature of Christ in the world. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 illustrates this beautifully. Here, a Samaritan helps a beaten man, showing compassion irrespective of societal biases. Through this story, Jesus teaches us that everyone is our neighbor, and through our acts of service, we can break barriers, promote healing, and reflect God’s kindness in a fragmented world.
Jesus’ own ministry was marked by service. He interacted with the marginalized, healed the sick, and provided for the needy. Therefore, as His followers, we are called to imitate Him and engage in acts of love for those around us. This service can take various forms, from volunteering at a local shelter (Matthew 25:35) to simply lending an ear to someone in distress (Galatians 6:2). God desires us to pour into the lives of others, mirroring His heart towards humanity.
Engaging in service can also lead to personal growth. Acts 20:35 reminds us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. By serving, we cultivate gratitude, develop empathy, and affirm our connection to God’s greater purpose. God wants us to step outside of ourselves and embrace the gifts He’s given us to bless others, fostering a sense of community. In doing so, we reflect His love and grace, fulfilling His call upon our lives.
Sharing the Gospel
Understanding what God wants us to do also encompasses our role in sharing the Gospel. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded. God’s passion for humanity is evident throughout Scripture; thus, it falls upon us to carry forth the good news of Jesus Christ, inviting others into a relationship with Him.
The word “gospel” means “good news,” and this good news is transformative. In Romans 1:16, Paul declares that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This highlights the urgent need for us to bear witness to the hope we have in Christ. The Greek term “martyria,” meaning witness, is fundamental to our identity as believers. We are called to share our experiences, demonstrating how God has worked in our lives.
Sharing the Gospel is not limited to preaching; it involves our everyday interactions. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to be prepared to explain our hope or faith gently and respectfully. This means living out our faith authentically, engaging with others, and being ready to share the reason we believe. Our actions speak volumes; by reflecting Christ’s love in our daily lives, we become living testimonies of God’s grace.
Bearing witness and sharing the Gospel also means being proactive in our communities. Acts 1:8 says we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, empowering us to be witnesses. This witness can occur at work, among friends, or during everyday encounters. God desires us to be bold in our faith without forcing it upon others; rather, we should invite them into dialogue and relationship. Love, kindness, and genuine connection serve as our foundation for sharing the good news.
Additionally, we are not alone in this mission. God has given us His Holy Spirit as our guide (John 14:26), assuring us that He empowers us in every circumstance. This means we can step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the necessary words and wisdom (Matthew 10:19). The more we step out in obedience, the more attuned we become to His leading, allowing us to reach the world around us effectively.
Being Stewards of Creation
A significant part of God’s desire for us involves stewardship. From the moment He created the world, in Genesis 1:26, God entrusted humanity with the care of His creation. The term “stewardship” derives from the Greek word “oikonomos,” meaning steward or manager, which emphasizes that we are caretakers of what God has given us rather than owners. Our role is to look after the earth and its resources responsibly, reflecting God’s intention for creation.
Throughout Scripture, we find numerous references to our responsibility towards creation. In Psalm 24:1, we learn that the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, underscoring that all resources belong to Him. Therefore, how we treat the environment and its inhabitants matters greatly to God. He intends for us to engage with nature, protect animal life, and honor the beauty of creation (Genesis 2:15), ensuring that we pass on a flourishing planet to future generations.
Being good stewards also means advocating for justice and compassion, particularly in protecting the vulnerable and marginalized. Proverbs 31:8-9 encourages us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. This call extends to environmental justice, where we must consider our impact on the earth and advocate for policies that protect our natural world. Caring for creation honors God and aligns with His purposes for humanity.
In living out our call to stewardship, we may find numerous opportunities in our daily lives—from reducing waste and recycling to supporting sustainable practices in our communities. By being conscientious about our lifestyle choices, we reflect God’s love for creation while also encouraging others to join in this movement of care.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what God wants us to do, it becomes clear that our lives are a tapestry woven together with love, service, sharing the Gospel, and stewardship. Each aspect enriches our faith and extends beyond personal gain; it connects us with God and others in meaningful ways. We are created for purpose, and carrying out these responsibilities is our act of worship.
Living out God’s commandments guides our moral compass and shapes our relationships. Serving others brings community and demonstrates God’s heart. Sharing the Gospel bears witness to our hope, inviting others into a relationship with Him. Finally, being stewards of creation honors God’s masterpiece and reflects our commitment to the world He has entrusted to us.
As we move forward in these endeavors, let’s remain open to God’s leading, relying on the Holy Spirit’s strength and guidance to live out His desires. Together, we can walk in obedience, love, and purpose, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. May we be encouraged as we pursue what God wants us to do and embrace the abundant life He offers!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4