To understand what God wants from us, it is essential to delve into the Scriptures, where we find the heart of God revealed. The essence of God's desire can be encapsulated in the themes of relationship, obedience, worship, and transformation. Let's explore these dimensions.
At the core of God's desire for humanity is a deep, personal relationship. This is evident from the very beginning of Scripture, where God creates humanity in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). This image-bearing reflects His desire for companionship and communion. Sin, however, fractured this relationship, creating a chasm between God and humanity. Yet, throughout Scripture, God's redemptive plan unfolds, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself stated in John 10:10, 'I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.' This abundant life is rooted in a restored relationship with Him.
God desires not only our relationship but also our obedience. In John 14:15, Jesus says, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.' Obedience is a natural outflow of love. The law given to Israel was not merely a set of rules, but a guide for living in harmony with God and others. As believers, we are called to live in accordance with God's Word, aligning our lives with His will as revealed in Scripture (Romans 12:1-2). This obedience is not burdensome; rather, it is a joyful response to God's grace.
Worship is another fundamental aspect of what God desires from us. In John 4:24, Jesus reveals that 'God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.' Worship transcends mere ritual; it encompasses our entire lives. Romans 12:1 tells us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. God seeks genuine worshipers who adore Him for who He is and express that adoration through their actions, words, and thoughts.
Another crucial aspect of what God wants from us is to reflect His character to the world. Throughout the New Testament, believers are called to embody the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), showcasing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In Ephesians 5:1-2, Paul exhorts us to 'be imitators of God, as beloved children.' As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we transform into His likeness, which is ultimately what God desires—not merely behavior modification but heart transformation.
God has a mission for each of our lives. In Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. This is not merely a suggestion; it is a directive rooted in God's desire to reach the world with His message of salvation. Engaging in the Great Commission, sharing the Gospel, and serving others in love is how we fulfill God's purpose for our lives. It is about being active participants in His redemptive story.
Ultimately, what God wants from us is our sanctification, the process by which we are made holy, reflecting God's nature more and more as we grow in faith. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 states, 'For this is the will of God, your sanctification.' It is a lifelong journey, empowered by the Holy Spirit, where we continuously become more like Christ. This journey culminates in glorification, where we will be fully conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
In summary, what God wants from us is multifaceted. He desires a personal relationship, our obedience, genuine worship, the reflection of His character, active participation in His mission, and ultimately our transformation into the likeness of Christ. As we navigate our faith journey, let us remain attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth (John 16:13), leading us to fulfill the desires of our loving God.
