In God's Will

Are you outside or inside of God’s will?  I’ve always thought of that expression as meaning whether we were leading a lifestyle either pleasing or displeasing to God.  Recently God had me put the emphasis on the word Will.  This time “will” meant the legal document that describes how a person wants his estate divided after his death. Who will inherit, and who will be left out? Interestingly, the word inherit is found 62 times in scripture, and inheritance 229.  While it didn’t always presuppose a death, it did imply something to be gained or lost. We’ve all seen movies where unscrupulous types try to endear themselves to rich, old Uncle Fred in an attempt to get into his will.  If Fred is still in possession of his marbles, he will see through the sham, and keep them out.  How similar those characters are to some people today.  They assume that as long as they visit dear old God once a week or so, without really knowing him, they can be in his will.  Wrong!  To inherit the Kingdom involves, most importantly, a personal relationship with God.  And by that I mean, not a Sunday only, or Christmas/Easter visitor, but a daily communication, and reliance on him. If those aforementioned folks had really known Uncle Fred, they would have been aware of what pleased him, and what things were big no-nos.  Same thing with God, he lovingly informs us of those details so we don’t fall out of the will.  “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not INHERIT the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:16-21.  Are you sure you’re in His will???