Is it possible to do many great things, and still be outside of God’s will?  Is there a lack of peace in your life as a Christian?  Do you go about the tasks of your day, running around to get things done only to wake up the next day and start all over?  This is not God’s will for us.  There is a stark divide between doing the works of God to be accepted by Him and doing the works of God because you are accepted by Him.  In the end, God has called us not to be taskmasters, but to only one thing – follow Him.

As much as I thought the WWJD (What would Jesus Do) bracelets were corny and borderline cultish, they carry with them a very Biblical truth.  We do not need to rush about trying to manufacture something for our lives that we believe God wants (usually our own desires).  As believers, we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit.  To be in the will of God, all we need do is submit to God’s Good Lordship, and seek after Him.  What would God have me do in this situation?  Who around me would God have me encourage, preach the gospel to, give aid to, etc.?  This is what it means to follow after Christ, to do the one thing He has called us to.

Luke 18:18-23 – “And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Read carefully, one would notice that Jesus actually tells this man he needs to do 3 things, right?

1)  Sell all that he has
2)  Distribute to the poor
3)  Come to Jesus

Ultimately though, Jesus is only giving this man insight into his own heart and personal situation.  For Him, the “One thing he lacks” is Jesus Himself.  For Him, believing on Jesus to follow after Him necessitates him to rid himself of the idol of money.  For each of us, Jesus could have said something different.  It could have been, Adam, “One thing you still lack, throw out every electronic device you own, seek after me in scripture, love your neighbors in action not merely thought, and come, follow me.”  My heart here though is not to give you a list of actions to do, but to encourage you faith in God to give you peace and singularity of purpose.

Luke 10:38-42 – “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Above, Mary had chosen the good portion because she delighted in Christ alone, and sought to let Him lead her.  God does not need your service.  You’re not helping God out when you try to do a great many things, even though they might be good things in themselves.  God accepts you as you are, because Jesus died and paid the price for your sin.

As a believer, it’s good to plan, but know that God has a way of accomplishing His will throughout the day, and in your life, when you are merely open to His leading.  Isn’t that refreshing?  Isn’t it good to know that the God of Universe has everything under control, and your greatest good is within your grasp without stressing you out?  Have you ever read the verse about Jesus saying that his yoke is easy and burden light, and thought to yourself “yeah right, he doesn’t know my boss or family”?  Jesus offers peace to those whose greatest need is to be accepted by God, knowing they are sinful, but trust in reconciliation through Christ alone.  With life as chaotic as it can be, I would be remiss if I didn’t say anything about prayer here.  How can we prepare ourselves to be led by God throughout our day?  Prayer.  Pray without ceasing.

Seek Christ, pursue One thing throughout your day.  Grace be with you.