More than anything else we strive for, we must become people who do the will of God, which is the meaning of the word that says, “Work not for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life.” Strive so that you do not perish. Satan has deceived many people. Humanity works hard for many things but neglects the most important—indeed, the only truly essential—thing: the ability to do God’s will.
In the Christian life, it is rare to find confidence or optimism that a person can truly live in accordance with God’s will.
On the contrary, many Christians doubt the words of Jesus: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and “Be holy, for I am holy.” The apostle Peter adds:
“If you call on Him as Father who judges each person impartially according to their deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”
That is the standard of those who call God their Father. Therefore, it is right that we live in reverent fear and awe before Him. But why do so many fail? First, because many do not pursue holiness, either because they are unaware of it or do not wish to pursue it, they close their eyes to the truth. At the same time, the church often fails to speak firmly and boldly about this matter.
Second, many misunderstand, thinking that holiness can only be achieved in heaven, and that perfection is impossible in this world. This false understanding has led many astray.
Third, some individuals feel incapable and thus become pessimistic, knowing that God requires perfection, but believing it is impossible to attain. Yet we must never judge whether someone has done the Father’s will or not, because perfection differs for each person, for to whom much is given, much will be required.
Everyone faces different problems, burdens, and struggles. Perfection means being complete, whole, tested, and victorious. The process of reaching this perfection is different for every individual. However, we must remember that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear. Each person is shaped and processed to grow toward the perfection that God desires.
Fourth, many are paralysed by the trauma of failure. Some who have fallen give up and say, “I will never be perfect.” This state is the work of the powers of darkness, deceiving people so they lose hope and no longer desire to renew their lives. They become trapped in ignorance and despair. Yet when we fail, we should rise again. If we lose heart, we will stop training, stop learning, and stop trying.
Fifth, some deliberately choose to reject God’s will—and this is the most dangerous of all. Such people decide not to do God’s will. Usually, they have already been bound by love for the world, so they no longer have the desire to do the Father’s will. The free will given by God is wasted.
God knows such conditions. Therefore, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the author of Hebrews 12:3-6 wrote:
“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? ‘ My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.'”
Do not lose heart. Our standard is perfect faith. Look to Jesus, who struggled even to the point of shedding blood, yet completed His mission and now sits at the right hand of God’s throne.
Do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly, because this means do not underestimate the process of formation that God allows to happen in your life. Through His discipline, God intends for us to grow and mature, so that we can write God’s history through our lives—when His thoughts and feelings are expressed through us amid the many struggles and challenges of life. That is the glory of God.