Everyday Life in God’s will
“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. “
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your Instagram or TikTok feed, wondering if you're living your best life? Perhaps you question whether you're cooking the best meals, taking enough vacations, or even considering starting a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel to become an influencer. Maybe you're even questioning whether you should dress your family in matching pajamas for that perfect Christmas photo. Without realizing it, we've been influenced by the standards we see online, and it's essential to recognize the impact this can have on our lives.
Although the concept of influence and idea broadcasting is familiar, our exposure to media has increased significantly. If we are honest, these inputs can easily erase God from our lives. The amount of media we consume may have entirely removed God from our consciousness.
My aim is not to blame social media or use it as a justification for our misconceptions about God's purpose. Nevertheless, it has become a new distraction, and I am positive that AI will be the next.
"What is God's will?" This is a question that often comes to mind. Is it something extraordinary or miraculous? It could be. Is it simple and beautiful? Maybe. But have we truly sought to know God's will through prayer, reading, and studying scripture? I must admit that I have drifted before without realizing it. Reflecting on our thoughts is crucial for spiritual growth. With that in mind, I am writing this essay to share some insights I have gained through reflection. By taking the time to consider our thoughts carefully, we can get a better understanding of ourselves and God's will.
God's will is not just about a single event but involves following His principles in our everyday life. It means seeking guidance from God to navigate through life's challenges. Although our life situations are unique, God's ultimate goal is to allow us to experience a taste of heaven on earth by providing us with essential things like air, food, water, and shelter.
We have been granted the gift of free will, which means we can make our own choices every day. This liberty can be advantageous and disadvantageous, as life presents numerous decisions, and we must choose which source to rely on. Some people rely on philosophy, while others depend on science. However, as believers, we base our decisions on the principles outlined in the Bible, which is our primary resource. Therefore, God is our ultimate source of guidance. I often reflect on the mundane days spent at home when I think about my life.
As I observe my father-in-law peeling mandarin oranges and separating the slices for my 2-year-old daughter to pick up off the table and eat, I feel that everything is meant to be. It fills me with peace and gratitude; I believe it is God's plan for us all. The aroma of freshly baked cornbread, our dog lying on the floor waiting to be petted, and soft jazz music playing in the background feels like a blessing.
As we gather around the table, we discuss our triumphs, our grievances with the government, and the inequalities that we, as Black individuals, still encounter. We share stories of our day and express gratitude to the Lord for granting us the strength to overcome another day.
When we check up on our friends through texts or connect with our faraway families via FaceTime, it feels like a warm embrace from heaven.
I'm sharing this because God's will may not always appear as glamorous or as portrayed on social media. It's shaped by the people we meet, the experiences we go through, and the decisions we make. It's not always perfect, but the resources we use and the source of our knowledge are equally important.
I resonate with the instructions that Apostle Paul gave to the Thessalonians. He advised them to lead a peaceful life and focus on their work. This is what God desires from us. We shouldn't chase after fame and fortune and forget our true selves and our relationship with God.
God's blessings are abundant, and we should be grateful for his plan that surpasses our imagination and expectations.