by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer
In a world of rapid change and constant distraction, the struggle to live according to God’s Will versus merely fitting God into one’s life, is a deep spiritual dilemma that troubles many individuals.
Today let us take a moment during this Lenten season to explore these two approaches and seek to illuminate the pathway toward a life more aligned with God’s Will and plan.
Before we dig deeper into the difference between living according to God’s Will as the center of your life and simply fitting God into our lives, it is important to understand what is meant by the Will of God. Often described in religious contexts as a divine plan or purpose, God’s Will reflects the intentions and desires that God has for us.
Many theologians will separate the Will of God into three distinctive areas. God’s Sovereign Will or Decretive Will, which refers to God’s ultimate control and purpose in all things through his divine decree.
Secondly, there is God’s Revealed Will, which is the ethical and moral standards God has set for us, through commandments and teachings in scripture. It is the guide on how He wants us to live.
The third area is God’s Dispositional Will, which is God’s desire for all of us to choose to do what is right and what is pleasing to Him. It refers to His attitude or desires. It reveals what pleases or displeases Him. Understanding and living according to God’s Will is a key aspect of our faith.
The scriptures provide a guide for us in making decisions aligned with God’s Will. Love, compassion, justice, and forgiveness are common themes that help shape our behavior according to God’s Will. Each of us may feel a unique calling or purpose in life, which certainly can be a part of God’s Will. Discovering and pursuing this calling can lead to a life closer to our Creator.
God’s Will often extends beyond the individual to include actions in our community and our personal relationships.
So how do we recognize God’s Will? For most of us, it is a constant struggle.
The Catholic Church encourages us to examine God’s Will through prayer, meditation, scripture study, and by listening to our inner voice or conscience. This process involves discernment, by definition the ability to reflect on and distinguish between truth and error, right and wrong.
All of this, with the intent to be able to understand God’s Will and direction. It is a spiritual exercise aimed at understanding where God might be leading us in our lives. It takes some work, but the reward once we connect is immeasurable. We soon make God’s Will the very center of everything we do, every day of our lives. It is what God wants and expects of us.
On the contrary, fitting God into one’s life suggests an approach where faith is one of many priorities, rather than the central focus around which life revolves. This approach leads many to a relationship with God that is relegated to a time-constrained schedule or confined to particular aspects of life, such as mass on Sundays or prayer during our times of crisis.
Limiting spiritual practices to a brief prayer or attendance at services is often indicative of fitting God into one’s life rather than living according to His Will. Some may find themselves approaching faith with conditions, participating in religious practices only when convenient or aligning with personal desires.
Most important, when faith is merely an addition to life rather than the center of one’s life, people may experience stagnation in their spiritual journey. The fundamental difference between living according to God’s Will and fitting God into one’s life has profound implications in how individuals navigate their daily experiences, relationships, and decisions.
A life centered around God’s Will, can provide clarity and direction. Decisions may feel less challenging when guided by a sense of divine purpose.
Individuals who prioritize God’s Will tend to foster deeper relationships within their communities. They are often more engaged in service and support, contributing positively to the lives of others. Living according to God’s Will often leads to inner peace and contentment that transcends external circumstances based on materialistic wants and needs.
Many find that living in alignment with spiritual values brings a sense of fulfillment. Engaging with God’s Will further encourages your personal spiritual growth. Challenges and tough times encountered along the way of life become opportunities for spiritual development and increased resilience.
By contrast, the act of fitting God into one’s life can lead to a disconnection from God. Without intentional engagement, faith can become stale and uninspiring.
Many people experience a superficial understanding of faith when it is not integrated into everyday life. Engagement with God may become routine rather than transformative. Individuals may miss significant opportunities for growth and service when they prioritize their immediate desires over spiritual commitments.
Deliberately setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and community can reinforce one’s commitment to living in accordance with God’s Will. Allocating time regularly to our spirituality is a vital step toward integration.
Incorporating faith into daily activities allows individuals to connect various aspects of their lives. Engaging with spiritual mentors, participating in study groups, or simply joining faith communities can provide valuable support and insight.
Walking with and learning from others can guide us in understanding and living out God’s Will.
Spending time reflecting on our personal values and how they align with God’s Will is necessary. Some people use a written journal to reflect on and document their experiences, prayers, and insights.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the challenge remains: Do we live according to God’s Will, or do we fit God into our lives?
The distinction is subtle yet significant, and the consequences of our choices can profoundly shape our spiritual journey. Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes God’s Will encourages personal growth, enhances community bonds, and fosters a deep sense of peace. It is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, reflection, and community support.
By making intentional choices informed by spiritual principles, individuals not only grow in their faith but also enrich the lives of those around them, creating a ripple effect of love, hope, and purpose in a world that deeply needs it.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a wonderful way for Catholics to do a complete examination of their relationship with God. It is even more powerful, during this season of Lent, which cries out to all of us to return to God. Whether you have been away from God for a few months, many years, or a lifetime…”now is the acceptable time”…to take a look at where you are and use the tools we are given to come home to our Creator.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior”…”who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This verse by St. Paul in his letter to St. Timothy, encourages all of us to pray for the salvation of others and to live in a way that reflects God’s desire for all to be saved. God’s Will and desire is for the salvation of all people…all of us.
In the end, the choice lies within each of our hearts. Are we willing to open ourselves to a life that fully embraces God and navigates the complexities of daily life with faith as its center?
This is the ultimate question that demands your reflection during this time of Lent, no matter where you are in your relationship with God.
Return to God…and start by paying a visit to Jesus during Adoration this Monday evening from 5pm to 11pm at Holy Family Church on Menge Avenue and Evangeline Road in Pass Christian, Miss.
It would be a wonderful time to start that personal reflection and examination, which will bring you home to God. Our Lord will be happy to see you. Peace my Brothers and Sisters….until next week.
