The Perfect Will of God

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Paul lived in the perfect pleasing will of God. That’s how he sustained his joy and peace. We can have that too, regardless of what’s going on around us, because we can know and trust that where God guides, He provides. You can trust that your circumstances have not caught God off guard. You can trust that He will see that you have all you need to accomplish His work. Do you trust that? Paul did. He believed wholly and responded obediently, leaving the results to God. Paul, free of guilt and shame and possessing one desire - pure and simple. What was it? Paul desired to speak God’s truth in love and win souls for the kingdom – period.

Through it all, Paul presented his body as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God. Paul truly believed this was his reasonable service, and he lived toward that end. Romans 12:1 outlines the believer’s service. Paul pleaded, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

To Paul’s way of thinking, that’s the least we can do in light of all that Christ has accomplished on our behalf, including His plan to redeem us from eternity past! Wow! How amazing is that? Paul got it – and God’s profound love and plan to redeem us amazed him too. Therefore, Paul being justified and embracing right standing before God, indeed, lived placing his hope and faith in Christ alone and submitting his life unto God’s service.

What’s the takeaway? Believer, examine your heart and see if you’ve presented your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. After all, according to Paul, it’s your reasonable service. If you find that you’re not yielding as you should, pray and ask God to change your heart.

He will surely do it!

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, give us hearts to serve you like Paul’s. Fill us with your Spirit and give us joy for the journey. Father, may we, too, be found in your acceptable and pleasing will.