President’s Post: How can we know God’s will for our life?
During the time of the early Church, the entire Roman world was dominated by Greek culture and philosophy, called “Hellenism.” The ideas of those early Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, were heavily ingrained in the everyday thinking of ordinary people. The cultural baggage of “Greek thinking” presented a massive challenge for the Church; many new Gentile converts had to be discipled and retrained on how to think biblically about creation, the fall, sin, the resurrection, heaven and eternal life.
The Apostle Paul took this matter seriously and didn’t dismiss its importance to the Christian life or the Church. He wrote, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Just like today, there was a real danger in that time of pairing worldly thinking with the Christian faith. Paul also wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
This raises the central question for us, “How can we know God’s will for our life?” The answer is simple. Paul tells us that the only way to know the will of God is to pattern our thinking after Christ’s. We can only know the will of God through Jesus Christ. Do you know Christ? If you do, you will better understand and be at peace with God’s will for your life.
The world today can often seem hopeless. Everywhere you turn, there is devastation and destruction. But this isn’t all that different from the pagan world of the early Church. The threats to the Church back then were the same as today. We must fight the temptation of being “double-minded” — trying to be like Christ on one hand while still holding on to worldly thinking on the other hand. We must be singularly focused on Christ alone.
Some might ask, “How can I win the battle for the mind?”
First, read God’s Word. We can only know God by the Scriptures. At the beginning of the book of Joshua, God commands his people to “be strong and courageous” and “meditate” on his word both “day and night” (Joshua 1:6, 8). Winning this fight takes courage. Christians are not known by their fear but by “power, love and sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Could it be that courage only comes by knowing God’s word? Read it.
Second, be devoted to prayer. Paul reminds us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer doesn’t always change our circumstances or outcomes, but prayer always changes us. A steadfast, daily commitment to prayer is the key to a renewed mind. Prayer is crucial to the Christian life.
Third, be a regular part of the Christian community. Scripture is clear: “Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25). We cannot win the battle for the mind in isolation, and it is never good for a Christian to be alone. That’s why Liberty University provides many options for spiritual development and authentic Christian community on campus. But that’s not enough. I want to encourage you to attend Bible study and Campus Community regularly and, most importantly, join a local church. Many of our students worship at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan on Sunday morning. Others have chosen several good churches in Lynchburg and central Virginia. Christian community is crucial to the battle for the mind. Get plugged-in somewhere.
Finally, be committed to service. It is not enough to win the battle for the mind if we are not committed to godly living and Christian service. We must live out our faith. James said, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do” (James 2:18). We know that good works do not save us. We are only saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also know that once we are saved, we will do good works to glorify Christ. The battle for the mind isn’t a theoretical battle — it’s a battle for faith in action.
Dear student, are you being transformed by the renewing of your mind? I encourage you to read God’s word, pray continually, regularly participate in Christian community and be devoted to service as a true Champion for Christ.
Prevo is the Interim President of Liberty University