Will

1/. <<intention, determination>>

As humans, we consist of three parts – body, soul and spirit, with each having a specific function.

Our soul, the vital component of our personality, is comprised of three inter-related facets: the thinking and reasoning aspects of the mind, the feeling component of the emotions, and the will – the conscious inner decision of commitment to the motives and desire that results in action. Thus, it is the function of the will to carry out the decisions made. 

can’t fly unaided. As unbelievers we were unable to think, say or do anything that might please God because of our sinful nature, being slaves to sin (Isa 64:6; Heb 11:6). So, as sinners we are commanded to repent, however many choose not to, yet no one is without excuse (Mt 3:2, 4:17; Act 3:19; Rom 1:20,21; 1 Jn 3:23).

Without divine intervention we are incapable of moving beyond our sinful nature on our own (Rom 6:17; Gal 4:8). The Holy Spirit works in and through a person’s will to choose life (Jn 1:12,13, 15:16). After being brought to faith by the Spirit, we are given a new nature that is no longer a slave to sin, but is now a slave of Christ (Rom 6:18; Gal 4:7). While we still have freedom to obey or disobey our new master, our choices all have consequences so we should choose wisely, for we reap what we sow (Prov 4:23,26, 5:21; Gal 6:7; Eph 5:15). We’re answerable to God for even the desires and intentions of the mind such as lust (Mt 5:28). 

God in His sovereignty knows what humans will do but does not orchestrate it. His overall plans are set in place, and actioned either by Himself, through others, or by natural causes  yet this does not make God the author of sin, or excuse the sinful actions of mankind, nor does it infringe the liberty of individuals to act freely. The prime example is Jesus who was handed over “by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge” and put to death by “wicked men”…“Herod and Pilate…did what [God’s] power and will had decided beforehand should happen” (Act 2:23, 4:27,28). While the event of the crucifixion was preordained and foreknown to God, the particular instigators were not predestined or chosen. (It does not seem reasonable that God predestines people to do wicked things and then holds them accountable). Satan, who was the mastermind behind the crucifixion, stupidly figured out a way to kill the Son of God and there were sufficient people (who by their own choice had made themselves susceptible to his evil influence) to aid him, so although they were carrying out their own will, as they thought, they were fulfilling the purpose of God.

There are multitudes of people in the ‘valley of decision’ (Joel 3:14). Everyone has before them the offer of eternal life. It is their choice of mind to accept or reject. From that choice (or any other of the numerous decisions we make daily), the will then takes the necessary steps to bring that decision into reality. A determined choice is fortified by a lifestyle of obedience. God does not actively interfere. We decide or make the plans and God confirms our stance by providing the reinforcement of circumstances to assist along the chosen path we take – be it towards Him or away from Him (Ps 1:6, 37:23; Prov 16:9, 20:24; Jer 10:23). He only hardened Pharaoh’s heart, reinforcing the choice, after this obstinate king had repeatedly resisted (Ex 7:3,13,14,22...9:12).

obedience to God, however at the last minute a substitute was provided (Gen 22:1-18).  Jesus said, “Not my will but yours be done…I came not to do my will, but the will of Him who sent me” (Lk 22:42; Jn 6:38).  We need perseverance to find and do the will of God and receive what He has promised (Heb 10:36).

It is wise to make plans and prepare, but the Lord has the ultimate say in what takes place, so our plans should have the disclaimer “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (Prov 16:3, 19:21, 21:5; Jas 4:13-15).   Our desires and whole life should be under the control of the Holy Spirit so if needed we can be gently nudged to make the right decisions, “He will turn the hearts...” (Mal 4:6).

Deliberate or willful sin, after receiving knowledge of the truth, is rejecting the only means of forgiveness – the Blood of Jesus (Heb 10:26).  Our conscience acts as a warning system when we are violating a divine principle. For those who continually reject the known truth of His standards “God gives them over to the sinful desires of their hearts” because of their determination to do wrong (Rom 1:18-32, 2:5-11). God confronted Cain over an issue. In essence He said if you do right then things will go well for you, but sin is also contesting for your allegiance. It is your responsibility to master it. Cain didn’t respond correctly and so put himself under a curse (Gen 4:6-16).

Satan aspired to become like God (Isa 14:13,14). Five times in these two verses his self-centred “I will…” heart desires are recorded, and that led to his downfall. After we sin God looks for a heart broken by remorse and repentance with a determination to go His way (Ps 51:17). Our stubborn wills need to be transformed and trained to go God’s way, like a horse being broken in – its immense power is not destroyed through fear and force but harnessed so it becomes useful.

building (Mt 6:10; Jn 3:30; 1 Cor 10:31). Because we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, we no longer live for ourselves but for Him (2 Cor 5:15). All our motivations, attitudes and thoughts need to be challenged – those that are not right we are to bring under obedience to the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 2:5). We must be willing to go God’s way, but equally determined not to go Satan’s way – obey God but resist the devil’s temptations by saying yes to the good but no to the bad. Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, be it to me as you have said” (Lk 1:38). Am I as willing and wanting to fulfill His purpose for me as she was?

See also: body/soul/spirit, choice, decision, determined, free will, God’s will, heart, intention, mind, motive/motivation, obedience, self-will.

2/. <<legal document>>

As none of us know when we will die, it is wise to make a will or bequest so that after death our worldly possessions can be distributed, as we would like them to be. Besides bequeathing to dependents, have you considered donating to Christian organisations or other worthwhile causes? Although we are expected to make reasonable provision for our loved ones, why not contribute to the Kingdom of God with the prospect of more lives being in heaven through your death here on earth (Mt 6:19,20; 1 Tim 5:8).

See also: legacy.