Living the Father's Will
Greetings and good morning brothers and sisters. This is Dr. James Perry continuing with our series where we seek to explore the deeper meanings of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years, the heavenly Father has revealed many revelations of spiritual truth to me, and I want to share them with you. This morning we will ponder our lives as we seek to understand the meaning of living the Father's will.
And now, sit back and listen to today's message.
Living the Father's Will
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, and peace and joy in the
Holy Spirit." Romans, Chapter 14, Verse 17.
How many times have we prayed for an answer to a problem? How often have we waited with heavy hearts for an answer to prayer that never seemed to come? How many times have we seen our highest expectations shattered into a million pieces? And yet it is of record: "Ask and you shall receive. Knock and the door shall be opened."
Jesus said, "And whatever you shall ask in my name, that I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Son." But still we doubt the answers that eventually appear in our minds. Life is full of tragic figures who have gone off on a fanatical trip after supposedly receiving an answer from God, so how can we separate the truth of God from our human longings and fantasies?
First we should understand that living the Father's will is not so much a specific course of action to pursue as it is how a specific course of action should be pursued. Living the Father's will means we have determined the way in which something should be done. Living the Father's will is the progressive spiritual experience of becoming like Him, developing a moral and spiritual character like His Son, Jesus. Second, we should understand that our souls and minds recognize the Father's will differently. The soul is fully aware of the Father's will in any given circumstance but the mind is only partially aware--sometimes not at all. Third, we should remember that our communications with the Father are spiritual not intellectual; that is, communication takes place within the soul not the mind.
The more spiritual our minds become the more conscious we will be of our souls. But regardless of this fact, it is forever true that what we supremely desire to do, according to the Father's will, we are already unconsciously doing. In other words if our supreme desire is to do the Father's will at all times, we can rest with assurance that we are living that will. We are progressively developing a moral and spiritual character like the human Jesus. And make no mistake that while we may be unconscious of living the Father's will, those observing our lives, if they are spiritually perceptive, are fully aware of the fruits of the spirit that are being displayed, even as Jesus displayed them when he walked the earth two thousands years ago.
From the mind's point of view, there will always be doubt until such time as the mind is able to perfectly attune to the Father's will. Nevertheless, the Father's will is able to guide the souls that are dedicated to doing His will into the paths of righteousness. Our material minds may not be conscious of doing the Father's will, but our minds are certainly conscious of not doing that will, of not choosing good over evil. There is a relative range of action in living the Father's will, and unless we make a decision that we know is not the Father's will, we can be sure that we are living the Father's will in ever increasing perfection.
Doors of opportunity for moral and spiritual growth are constantly opening and closing. We must await the opportunity for greater moral and spiritual growth by faithfully discharging our present duties. By so doing we qualify for even greater and more sublime service. Each experience is more progressive than the preceding one. The successful completion of one experience subject to the Father's will liberates the potential for experiencing the next experience.
Like a step ladder, the Father' will ever elevates and inspires our hearts and minds, ever drawing us towards Him who is the source and destiny of all things, meanings and values. As we look backwards in time, we can see the results of the Father's unfolding plan. We can see how our characters have become more moral and spiritual. And as we live in the present, we are increasingly filled with the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Father's love.
Living the Father's will is the secret to acquiring a moral and spiritual character like Jesus. This concludes today's message on the meaning of living the Father's will. We hope you find something in this message to ponder and pray about as you go about your day. Until next time, this is Dr. James Perry.
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By Dr. James Perry
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Living the Father's Will
