Holiness and Our Wills

The author of The Pursuit of Holiness says our wills were corrupted in the fall. The will became rebellious and stubborn and wouldn’t listen to reason and it gave in to emotion. While the will is the ultimate determiner of all choices, it is influenced in its choices by the strongest focus brought to bear upon it. These forces come from a variety of sources. Subtle suggestions from Satan and his world system, an urgent voice of conscience, a Christian friend or the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Whatever source, they reach our wills through our reasons or our emotions.

But in our rebirth, emotions and reason are renewed, not immediately, but a little at a time. James 4:7 tells us to submit our wills to God. That’s the start.

How do we guard our minds and emotions? David wrote in Psalm 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

The Word of God. The Bible speaks to us primarily through our reason and that’s why it is so important for our minds to be constantly brought under its influence. The Bible is a priority in a Christian’s life.

Solomon told us in Proverbs 2:10 – 12, that wisdom, understanding and discretion will guard us from the evil way. How do we get those qualities?

Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

From God. Through His Word. His sayings, His stories, His commandments. We need to read it diligently, prayerfully and seeking to understand. Not just for the spiritual information it gives, but also for the daily application of it in our everyday lives.