The Christian journey is often described as a walk, a path, or a race. Each of these pictures implies movement, direction, and discipline. Yet many who profess Christ treat the Christian life as a casual stroll where they choose the turns, set the pace, and decide the destination. They live as though Christianity is an addition to their lifestyle, rather than a transformation of it.

But Scripture warns us: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,” (Proverbs 14:12). It is possible to think you are on the right path, to believe you are living well, and yet be completely outside the will of God. Living the Christian life, according to your own, will is not only dangerous — it is deceptive. It gives the appearance of freedom, but ends in bondage.

Today, we will consider why living by our own will is dangerous, why surrendering to God’s will is essential, and blessings that come when we walk in His ways.

The Danger Of Living By Our Own Will
The first danger is deception. Judges 21:25 says: “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” That verse is not a commendation; it is a condemnation. When everyone does what is right in their own eyes, chaos reigns. Human will apart from God, is tainted by sin, selfishness, and pride.

• Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden illustrate this truth. They heard God’s clear instruction, yet they chose their own will. The fruit “seemed” desirable, but the end was separation from God (Gen. 3:6-10).
• Samson lived much of his life following his own desires. Though chosen by God, his lack of self-control led to disgrace and destruction (Jg.16v16-20).
• The Prodigal Son demanded his inheritance and pursued life his own way. Only when he ended up in the pigsty did he realise that his will had led him away from the father’s house and into misery (Luke15v11-32).
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

Living by our own will seems liberating, but in reality, it enslaves us. John 8:34 says: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Self-will often leads to sinful choices, and sin leads to bondage.

The Call To Surrender To God’s Will
If living by our will is dangerous, then the solution is to surrender. Jesus, Himself, modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed: “Not my will, but thine, be done,” (Luke 22:42). He was facing the agony of the cross, yet He yielded to the Father’s plan.
Surrender does not mean weakness. In fact, it is the highest expression of strength. It takes strength to deny self, to crucify the flesh, and to choose obedience. Jesus said in Luke 9:23: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
• To deny yourself means saying “no” to sinful desires, selfish ambitions, and worldly pleasures that conflict with God’s will.
• To take up your cross daily means embracing obedience even when it costs you something.
• To follow Christ means allowing His will to lead you, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.
Romans 12:1–2 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Sacrifices have no will of their own; they are placed on the altar. A true Christian life is one surrendered on the altar of God’s will.

The Blessings Of Living In God’s Will
When we live according to God’s will, the blessings far outweigh the sacrifices.
• Peace – Isaiah 26:3 promises: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” Peace comes not from getting our own way, but from trusting that God’s way is best.
• Purpose – Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God’s will is not arbitrary; it is designed for our good.
• Power – Acts 1:8 declares that we receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. Walking in God’s will equip us with spiritual strength we could never achieve on our own.
• Protection – Psalm 91 assures us of God’s covering when we dwell in His presence. Living by His will keeps us under His divine protection.

The Warning Against Half-hearted Christianity
Jesus gave a sobering warning in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Words are not enough. Religious activity is not enough. What matters is obedience to the will of God.

Many today live a convenient Christianity:
• They obey God when it fits their schedule.
• They serve when it is comfortable.
• They worship when it feels good.
But when God’s will demands sacrifice, they retreat.
Revelation 3:16 warns the lukewarm believer, who is neither hot nor cold. A half-hearted Christian life, lived according to our own terms, is nauseating to God. He calls us to wholehearted surrender.
Imagine a soldier who obeys only the orders he agrees with. He may wear the uniform, but he is not a true soldier. In the same way, a Christian who obeys selectively is not truly surrendered.

Practical Steps To Living God’s Will
How can we move from living by our own will to living by God’s will?
• Seek God’s Word Daily – Psalm 119:105 says: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” We cannot know God’s will without knowing His Word.
• Pray for Guidance – Psalm 143:10 says: “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God.” Prayer keeps us aligned with His direction.
• Listen to the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:14 says: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” The Spirit guides us when we are sensitive to His leading.
• Be Willing to Obey – John 7:17 promises that if anyone is willing to do God’s will, they will discern the truth. Obedience begins with willingness.
• Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel – Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Sometimes God’s will is confirmed through wise, spiritual counsel.

In conclusion, living the Christian life, according to your own will, may bring temporary pleasure, but ends in emptiness. God’s will may require sacrifice, but it leads to peace, purpose, and eternal reward.

We must ask ourselves daily: Am I living for myself, or am I living for God? Am I choosing my way, or His way? The true Christian life is not about convenience — it is about surrender.
Psalm 40:8 – “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”
You are by this message enjoined to abandon your own will and do the will of God
• Surrender your plans, ambitions, and desires at the feet of Jesus.
• Pray with sincerity: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
• Commit to walking in God’s will even when it is difficult.
When we stop living on our own terms and start living by God’s will, we discover the abundant life Christ promised. That is the true Christian life.