Navigating Life’s Choices in Conformity with God’s Will

As beings bestowed with free will, the ability to make choices is a fundamental aspect of our existence. However, sometimes this freedom can create a sense of confusion and anxiety, as we aspire to align our choices with the will of God. God offers us a choice, and while we may feel in control of our decisions, often our choices are orchestrated by divine will. Understanding this can bring a sense of peace and purpose to our lives.

The most powerful way to align our will with the divine will is through the realisation of interconnectedness and interdependence. We are bound to all of creation and every human being. Our actions affect not just ourselves, but everyone and everything around us. This interconnectedness is a profound truth that, once grasped, can lead us to a deeper understanding of our unity with God.

Awakening from the Illusion of Separateness

As stated by the famous Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, we must awaken from the illusion of separateness. Meditation and mindfulness can help us recognise that we are part of a larger whole, living with gratefulness for all creation. This unity with all things can help us to feel more connected to God and to act in ways that promote the welfare of all creation.

Think of a leaf that recognises its unity with the entire tree. It lives its individual life for the greater good of the entire tree. This analogy serves to illustrate how, when we live our lives in harmony with our interconnectedness, we are living in accordance with the divine will. External commandments, much like the tablets of stone given to Moses, become less significant when we have discovered this unity. They are then transcended or outgrown, making way for a new covenant.

The Old Covenant and the New Covenant

The concept of God's will can be explored further through the biblical covenants. The Old Covenant, or First Covenant, was illustrated through Moses and his tablets of stone, laid out in specific commandments. However, as we learn to understand the interconnectedness of all things, we transcend these external rules and embrace a New Covenant, symbolised by Jesus Christ and written in the hearts of people.

God is essentially unity. Living in harmony with God means living in unity with all creation. From this perspective, our choices and actions can be guided by a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness, leading to decisions that promote the well-being of the whole.

Practical Steps to Align with God's Will

Here are some practical steps you can take to align your life with the divine will:

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Spend time cultivating a deeper awareness of your thoughts and actions. This can help you to respond to situations with greater clarity and purpose.

Reflect on Interconnectedness: Consider how your actions and choices affect others and the world around you. This can foster a sense of responsibility and unity.

Engage in Service: Actively participate in activities that benefit the greater good. This can give you a sense of purpose and align your actions with divine will.

Remember, the ability to make choices is a gift and a sign that we are valued and trusted. By living in accordance with the divine will, we can find peace and purpose in our lives.

Embracing the unity and interconnectedness of all things is a path towards a more fulfilling life, guided by a deeper understanding of God's will.