Dear Grant:
I see that you have already gotten some very good responses to your questions and I agree with those responses. Let me try to add a little by giving you a couple of scriptures which may help:
John 14:23-27
23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 "All this I have spoken while still with you.
26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I Jn 2:3-6
3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:
6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
Sometimes in seeking God's will it is very good to communicate with other Christians (as you have done here). If there are some Christians close by you, you may want to try speaking to some you trust face-to-face and seek their counsel. Also, listen carefully to what other Christians say to you - especially those who do not know about the questions you have but who say things that have a direct bearing on your questions. Sometimes the Lord will tell you things through His people. And most especially, as the scriptures above suggest, ask the question WWJD (what would Jesus do) and always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer.
In Christ, Tom |
