Colossians 1

Verses 9-12 of this chapter offer some insight into the will of God for the life of the believer. In the first half of verse 9, Paul prays that the Colossians will have wisdom and understanding of God's will, the kind of wisdom and understanding that come only from God. This wisdom is given by the Holy Spirit, and it leads to a change in a person's conduct. So in short, the will of God, is for the people of God, to have the wisdom of God, to make decisions pleasing to God.

Now contrast that with the way some Christians tend to treat God's will like the "Choices" app on itunes. Have you seen this? Look it up. It says, "Do you always have trouble making your own decisions? Well, Choices is here to help. Just press one of the Quick Choice buttons and Choices will make up your mind for you."

Friends, God's will doesn't work like this. He's not a button we press so that we know what to do to please him. That leaves no room for things like wisdom and knowledge and faith. It doesn't take any of those things to press a button, nor does it take any of those things if God just tells us what to do. Instead, he wants us to grow in wisdom and knowledge and discernment so we can step out in faith and make choices that please him. This is the definition of Biblical maturity.

Now, don't get me wrong, God is definitely here to help. But his help does not come in the form of making our choices for us. The biggest way he helps us is through his word, which is the source of all wisdom and truth.

So as you read God's word, ask him to give you wisdom and knowledge and discernment that comes from him. It is armed with this wisdom from above that you will be able walk in a manner fully pleasing to God.