DOING THE WILL OF GOD FROM THE HEART

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

AUGUST 5

 

Ephesians 6:6

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;

but as the servants of Christ,

 doing the will of God from the heart; -

 
Here is a point to be ascertained, what is the will of God?
 
The will of God concerning a sinner is, that he should believe him—love him—obey him.
 
His will concerning a believer is, that he should reverence his authority—receive his word—and observe his precepts.
 
God’s preceptive will revealed in the New Testament is plain, and that is to be the rule of our conduct.
 
Here is a duty to be performed—to do the will of God.
 
To do it, though it excites the opposition of our fellow men—though it crosses our natural inclinations.
 
We are to do a Father’s will.
 
To perform a Master’s command. To keep a Sovereign’s laws.
 
To obey a Saviour’s precepts. The manner in which that will is to be done, is also pointed out, from the heart.
 
As every evil proceeds from the heart as renewed by grace.
 
“Doing the will of God from the heart,” that is, not by constraint, but willingly.
 
From the heart, that is, from conviction—from love.
 
Doing it heartily, throwing the energies into it.
 
Beloved, are you seeking to know the will of God?
 
Are you willing to do it?
 

Be Christ my pattern and my guide,

His image may I bear,

O may I tread his sacred steps,

And his bright glories share!

 
James Smith