How do we do this, God?

If someone were to give you guidance on how you are to live this Christian lifestyle, what do you imagine it might be? Wouldn't it be nice to be completely sure that we were living as we should, making the right decisions, staying on track and not getting waylaid by Satan's schemes? Paul prayed for those who were believers in the region of Colosse that they'd have this ability, and this prayer applies to all believers worldwide today:

This is what we pray: that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. (Colossians 1:9-11)

Completely sure of what God wants for our lives. That is our goal, is it not? We don't want to just tinker with this or that knowledge, hoping we find the 'right combination' of knowledge and wisdom to make wise choices. We want assurance that we are within God's will - that we have his wisdom and deep spiritual understanding. We might not always hear God's voice, but there is something deep within our spirit that brings a confirmation that we are making the right choice, isn't there? It is this assurance that we can count on whenever we are about to 'flounder', not just when we are making right choices.

Living in a way that honors the Lord - bringing him pleasure with each step we take. That is my goal, but I don't always think some of my actions bring God glory. Why is that? I don't always press into the wisdom he gives, nor do I always listen to that 'inner voice' that is reminding me of his will. In other words, my 'will' overrides what I know to be his will. Ever happen to you? I bet it does. We all need to live in a way that pleases God, but we can lean toward pleasing others or even ourselves more than we'd like. We need his help to choose to live 'honorably' - with upright integrity.

Good works produced is more than us volunteering at the food bank, giving to the needy, or helping the widow mow her grass. All of these are indeed 'good works', but it is quite possible we do some of our 'works' out of obligation and not because God gets the honor from them. We aren't perfect people, so we do 'imperfect works' at times. Can these bring honor to God? Of course, but there is something much better in being led by his Spirit and engaging in the good works he leads us into. Just sayin!