“Therefore,
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true
and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern
of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good,
pleasing , and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV.”
Self-determination
is a gift from God, and it can be a force for good when it helps us rise above
challenges and work toward the well-being of ourselves and others. However,
when self-determination becomes selfish and disregards others, it becomes
counter to God’s will and dangerous.
For
example, one of Frank Sinatra's most famous songs, "My Way," captures
a man's journey of living life on his own terms. Although the song became a
national anthem for self-determination, Sinatra himself grew to dislike it,
feeling it was self-serving and indulgent.
The
challenge is to navigate the tension between personal goals and the well-being
of others. As Christians, we must overcome our tendency to do things “my way”
and align our actions with God’s way. Here are some guiding principles:
1.
Do Things God’s Way: Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present
ourselves as living sacrifices and be transformed by the renewal of our minds,
discerning God’s will.
2.
Trust in God’s Plan: Ruth 1:16-18 shows us the
importance of trusting in God’s unknown plan, as Ruth committed herself to
Naomi’s path.
3.
Recognize God’s Purpose: Jeremiah 29:11 assures us
that God has plans for our welfare and hope.
4.
Depend on God’s Strength: Philippians 4:13 reminds us
that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
5.
Commit to Growth: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 teaches us to
run the race of life with discipline, aiming for an imperishable prize.
6.
Honor God’s Word: Romans 15:4 highlights the
importance of Scripture for our instruction, endurance, and encouragement.
In
the end, our mantra should not be “I did it my way,” but rather, “I have fought
the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy
4:7). Paul’s letter to the Ephesians encourages us to acknowledge what God can
do in and through us when we live according to His way through Jesus Christ.
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