What steps can we take to ensure our actions align with God's will? Scripture Focus “ Their words seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem.” — Genesis 34:18 Lesson Drawn from the Passage Hamor and Shechem judged a proposal by appearances. The offer “seemed good,” yet it was rooted in deceit and led to tragedy (Genesis 34:25-29). Their haste reminds us that a plan can look acceptable while standing outside God’s will. From this brief verse—and the broader narrative—we find practical safeguards to keep our own decisions in step with the Lord. Steps for Aligning Our Actions with God’s Will • Build every decision on God’s unchanging Word • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Whenever Scripture speaks to an issue, its counsel settles the matter. • Compare each option with clear biblical commands and principles. • Let motives be searched by the Spirit • 1 Samuel 16:7—“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” • Ask the Spirit to expose pride, revenge, greed, or fear that may color judgment. • Pure motives help guard against the blindness that trapped Jacob’s sons and the Shechemites. • Seek wise, godly counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many advisers.” • Invite mature believers who will measure everything against Scripture, not mere pragmatism. • Bring the matter before God in earnest prayer • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” • Prayer tunes the heart to the Shepherd’s voice and slows impulsive choices. • The peace of Christ becomes an internal referee (Colossians 3:15). • Test the decision by the character of Christ • Romans 8:29—God’s goal is our conformity to His Son. • If a path contradicts Jesus’ humility, honesty, or love, it cannot be God’s will. • Evaluate long-term fruit, not short-term gain • Galatians 6:7—“Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” • Jacob’s sons’ quick “victory” birthed sorrow and distrust for generations. • Choose the course that bears righteous, lasting fruit. • Wait for clear direction before acting • Psalm 27:14—“Wait for the LORD; be strong … and wait for the LORD.” • Time exposes hidden motives and reveals whether circumstances align with Scripture and prayer. • Walk in integrity every step of the way • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you … what is good … to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” • Integrity prevents the kind of deceit employed by Simeon and Levi, ensuring means and ends both honor God. Putting It Together When we measure plans by God’s Word, invite the Spirit’s searchlight, involve trusted believers, bathe choices in prayer, mirror Christ’s character, weigh eternal fruit, wait on the Lord, and maintain integrity, our actions move in harmony with His perfect will—avoiding the tragic detours seen in Genesis 34. |
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