Written By Les Allan – August 10, 2023
This is a question that many people ask themselves, especially in times of crisis, uncertainty and change. God is not silent or indifferent to our situation. He has revealed his will for us in his word, the Bible, and in his Son, Jesus Christ. God wants us to know him, love him, obey him and glorify him.
To know God means to have a personal relationship with him, based on faith and trust. God has made himself known to us through his creation, his prophets, his miracles and his written word. But the ultimate revelation of God is in Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Jesus came to show us the Father’s love, to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification. He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). To know God, we need to believe in Jesus and receive him as our Lord and Savior.
To love God means to have a sincere affection and devotion to him, above all else. God is not only our Creator and Judge, but also our Father and Friend. He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and he demonstrated it by sending his Son to die for us (John 3:16). To love God, we need to respond to his love with gratitude, worship and obedience. We also need to love what he loves, which is his word, his will and his people.
To obey God means to follow his commands and instructions, as revealed in his word. God is not a tyrant or a dictator, but a wise and good King. He has given us his law, not to restrict us or oppress us, but to protect us and bless us. His law reflects his holy and righteous character, and it shows us how to live in a way that pleases him and benefits us. To obey God, we need to submit to his authority, respect his boundaries and do his will.
To glorify God means to honor him and praise him for who he is and what he has done. God is worthy of all glory, because he is the most excellent and perfect being in the universe. He is the source of all goodness, beauty and truth. He is the creator of all things, the sustainer of all things and the redeemer of all things. He has done great things for us, especially in saving us from sin and death through Jesus Christ. To glorify God, we need to acknowledge his greatness, thank him for his grace and declare his praises.
These are some of the things that God wants from us today in the contemporary world. They are not easy or natural for us, because we are sinful and selfish by nature. We need God’s help and grace to do them. That’s why we need to pray constantly, read his word regularly and rely on his Spirit daily. We also need to join a community of believers who can encourage us, teach us and correct us. God does not want us to live in isolation or ignorance, but in fellowship and growth.
God wants us to know him, love him, obey him and glorify him. This is our highest purpose and our greatest joy. This is what we were created for and what we are called to do. This is what makes our lives meaningful and fulfilling. This is what pleases God and honors him. Amen…
~Lesallan
