Less Is More - The Perfect Will of God

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

I’ve always looked at this verse and it has been my long-held opinion that this verse indicated several variations to the will of God in our lives. I saw this as saying there is something good, something acceptable, and there is something perfect that God would have us to do. I was never able to decide how to get there, until last week.

I have prayed and prayed about this last weekend, the messages from Jim Hohnberger, and what it should mean to me and my family. I have been reading his new book this week “Men of Power”. I have discovered (admitted is probably more like it) that I am NOT a true man of power. At least not yet. You see, God has called us to do the work that lies nearest. In fact, Paul’s counsel to Timothy (1 Tim 3:4,5) tells us that men who are involved in church ministry should have their homes in order. We should be leading our families to Christ - this is our FIRST work. Like Abraham, we should command our children and our families after us in following the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19). There is NOTHING that should take the place of us doing this work with our families. Not work, not church, not ministry, not outreach, not inreach, NOTHING. What good are we if we “win” the world for Christ, and lose our own families? Besides that, if our families are a failure, what real gospel (good news) do we have to share? We attend church, say the right things, do the right programs, and we think everything is OK? If we are truly honest with ourselves, I believe that there is not 1 in 20 who can truly say that they have a vital, daily connection with God and are following the path HE has laid out for their lives - not the one they have chosen.

In light of these issues, I have a confession to make. I’m a front and a fraud. That’s right. You heard me. I am a front and a fraud … because I portray myself here (online) as something I am really not. Sure, I know the doctrines, and I believe them. I know what present truth is, and I believe it. I am a church member “in good and regular standing”. I know what true health reform means (especially for those who will be preparing for translation), but I’m not living it. I claim to be the “historic adventist” … but my life speaks otherwise. At home, I am cross with my wife and children on a daily basis. I lose my temper and get angry more often than not. The same thing goes for my job. My boss is not always the most pleasant person to work for, and as a result, I let him affect my attitude. I take it out on my subordinates. I have destroyed all witness that I have with the people I work with … they know better. In each and every area of my life … I have failed to exemplify Christ. So what can I do? Jesus said without Him we could do NOTHING. I have finally grasped this statement, and can apply it to my life. Without abiding in Him, daily, moment-by-moment, I don’t stand a chance. If He couldn’t do it without constant communion with His Father, what makes me think I can do it?

So where do I go from here? Well, there is a great article that explains it all. There is also a chapter in the book “Empowered Living” that tells about it. It’s called “Less is More”. The bottom line is this: we must get rid of anything (and I mean anything) in our lives that stands between us and God, between us and the salvation of our families. Friends, it’s time to give up some things that we feel might be good, to obtain the best that Jesus has for our lives. Paul said that there all things were lawful for him, but not everything was expedient. He feared coming under the power of anything that would lead him away from Christ (1 Cor 6:12). You can read the article entitled Slow Down Christian and you will gain an understanding from the Hohnberger’s perspective as they share their experiences.

I’m ashamed to admit where I’ve been in my Christian walk, but I’m not ashamed to tell you that I’m moving forward each day. I’m pressing toward the mark, lest after running the race I would be disqualified. I don’t want anything to stand in the way of my walk with Christ … and I realize now, more than ever before, the solemn responsibility that has been placed before me as the high priest of my home. I have a duty to my God, and my family that nothing should take the place of. It is with these thoughts and convictions in mind that I am going offline. I have decided that one of the greatest draws that I personally have that distracts me from God and my family is my time on the computer. Whether it is good (such as this website) or acceptable (such as doing research, checking e-mail, reading the headlines, etc.), it is taking time away from what it THE BEST. I will not continue to give my time to things that take away from my time with God and with my family. Besides, what can I really share with you folks if I don’t have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit directing my life at home? You don’t go to war on the battlefield if there is trouble in the base camp.

While I have enjoyed my time online (I will leave the site up as long as the domain and hosting are paid for), I cannot and will not continue to trade my time here for the more important things of my life. Please keep me in your prayers as I journey down the road less traveled, to a final destination prepared and designed by our Heavenly Father. May His will be done, and may I find the strength in Him to lay down my life daily, submitting my will to that of the Father. I hope you find the uncommon courage to do the same.

PS - I already have some posts prepared to come up on the blog over the next couple of weeks with the videos from the EGW summit. I will allow these to come so you can view the videos, but I will not be commenting on them, since I will be offline.