Not everyone who calls out to me, “Lord! Lord!” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21 NLT
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 NIV
Jesus spoke frequently about the evidence of true faith. He emphasized that authentic faith is demonstrated by doing God’s will. From that day until this, we humans seem to be easily deceived by appearances. If we hear someone say the right words or act in a good or religious way, we assume they have it together in God’s eyes. Remember when you saw a man stop and pray over his meal at the restaurant? You assumed he most likely was a man of great faith, right? Only God knows that. Jesus taught that true faith empowers and compels followers to achieve the impossible, joyfully living in accordance with God’s will, and accomplish it! That’s not an obligation, it’s a privilege.
Doing God’s will is the proof of our faith. Jesus said that doing the will of God is the defining characteristic of His true family (Matthew 12:46-50). The core message from Jesus is that "obedience is thicker than blood.”
Obedience flows from true faith. Faith grows from knowing and trusting the object of our faith. Jesus. And when our faith is authentic, obedience is the result.
Our faith is the source of the power to accomplish God’s will. Matthew 9:29 records Jesus’ promise and explanation that “according to your faith, it will be done.” Not faith in the result, but trusting faith in our source.
Our faith is the source of knowing what God’s will is. As we continue to focus on Jesus as our object of faith, our minds are renewed and we are transformed, able to have clarity to know and do God’s will.
Faith is not wishful thinking. It is aligning ourselves with God’s will. Faith focuses on the right object (Jesus), grows through the right source (the Word), and results in the right outcome (God’s will).
- Jesus, I want You to be amazed by my faith. Help me choose correctly and obey fully.