Help! God's will vs. Parents' will

[Trayalc]

Hi everyone. Back in May of this year, I graduated college and moved back in with my parents. It's obviously a blessing to be able to live with them, but it's also been quite difficult transitioning from freedom of college to back under the parents' roof.

My parents, I would say, would be best described as "culturally Christian." They claim to be Christian, but we've never taken it very seriously as a family. I think the unspoken philosophy in my household is "all that spiritual stuff is important, but real life comes first." Since I was young, I've always been taught to seek security, comfort, and success in this world. Never was I taught by my parents to seek God's will.

So lately I've been looking at my life and questioning the main perspective I've been taught within my family. Does God even want me to have security and comfort in this world? Does God want me to focus on getting wealthy and creating financial security in my life? What even is God's will for my life?

How do I go about addressing the daunting question: "What is God's will for my life?" Sometimes it's hard to see whether or not my parents' wishes are in line with God's; how might I go about determining this? I've done my best lately to try and choose God's will in decisions as they come up in my life. And I have to say, it hasn't felt good so far.

 

[Tolworth John]

How do I go about addressing the daunting question: "What is God's will for my life?

Keep things simple. Read the Bible and pray about what you read. Attend every Sunday a church that seeks to practise what it preaches.
Getting your parents to attend church regularly while you study is your task.

 

[crossnote]

Hi everyone. Back in May of this year, I graduated college and moved back in with my parents. It's obviously a blessing to be able to live with them, but it's also been quite difficult transitioning from freedom of college to back under the parents' roof.

My parents, I would say, would be best described as "culturally Christian." They claim to be Christian, but we've never taken it very seriously as a family. I think the unspoken philosophy in my household is "all that spiritual stuff is important, but real life comes first." Since I was young, I've always been taught to seek security, comfort, and success in this world. Never was I taught by my parents to seek God's will.

So lately I've been looking at my life and questioning the main perspective I've been taught within my family. Does God even want me to have security and comfort in this world? Does God want me to focus on getting wealthy and creating financial security in my life? What even is God's will for my life?

How do I go about addressing the daunting question: "What is God's will for my life?" Sometimes it's hard to see whether or not my parents' wishes are in line with God's; how might I go about determining this? I've done my best lately to try and choose God's will in decisions as they come up in my life. And I have to say, it hasn't felt good so far.

Honoring our parents, whether they are born again or not, is a good start. (It's part of God's will). You may just display a convincing witness for Jesus.

 

[St_Worm2]

How do I go about addressing the daunting question: "What is God's will for my life?" Sometimes it's hard to see whether or not my parents' wishes are in line with God's; how might I go about determining this? I've done my best lately to try and choose God's will in decisions as they come up in my life. And I have to say, it hasn't felt good so far.

Hello Trayalc, the answer to that question can seem a bit illusive at times because it's principally found in our knowing God, and in the ongoing/growing relationship that we have with Him. One verse that comes immediately to mind about this subject is this one:

Romans 12
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
​

So the question is, how are our minds renewed such that we are transformed (sanctified) and can prove what God's will for our life is? Here are a few verses to consider in regard to that .. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3, 119:105; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

You may also find this helpful. It's a lecture called God's Will and the Bible by Dr. R C Sproul, and it's free to listen to anytime online.

God's Will and the Bible by R.C. Sproul
​

There's also a second lecture in this short series called God's Will and Your Vocation, but you'll have to pay $2 to stream or download that one (but you'll also own it), or $3.20 if you want to own the bundle/both lectures, just FYI. They are both excellent and are helpful in learning what to do to discern God's will, as well what NOT to do.

God bless you!

--David
p.s. - the lectures I mentioned were also available at this broadcast/podcast site, Renewing Your Mind, unfortunately they are no longer (as the archive only goes back 6 months). Still, it is an excellent site to know about if renewing your mind and seeking God's will for your life is what you are after.

Psalms 37
4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
.​

 

[Jord Simcha]

Jesus says "Seek the Kingdom of God first", over financial and worldly riches, so that is God's will for us.
He says if ye seek the kingdom of God first, that all these things will be added unto you. (Food, clothing, etc).

See Matthew 6:31 and Matthew 6:33.

 

[t4inted-]

The bible does warn of pursuing riches..
or being rich i cannot quote the scripture but if you want those scriptures about “riches”

or there’s this proverb

“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23:4-5

i agree with the other poster seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you,
the Father knows you have need of these things.

i would also say don’t find security or comfort in this world by any means find your security and comfort in God and he will provide he is faithful.

Look to the Lord and as the other post posted romans 12 do not be conformed to this world etc.

i hope this helps ?

 

[longwait]

Hi everyone. Back in May of this year, I graduated college and moved back in with my parents. It's obviously a blessing to be able to live with them, but it's also been quite difficult transitioning from freedom of college to back under the parents' roof.

My parents, I would say, would be best described as "culturally Christian." They claim to be Christian, but we've never taken it very seriously as a family. I think the unspoken philosophy in my household is "all that spiritual stuff is important, but real life comes first." Since I was young, I've always been taught to seek security, comfort, and success in this world. Never was I taught by my parents to seek God's will.

So lately I've been looking at my life and questioning the main perspective I've been taught within my family. Does God even want me to have security and comfort in this world? Does God want me to focus on getting wealthy and creating financial security in my life? What even is God's will for my life?

How do I go about addressing the daunting question: "What is God's will for my life?" Sometimes it's hard to see whether or not my parents' wishes are in line with God's; how might I go about determining this? I've done my best lately to try and choose God's will in decisions as they come up in my life. And I have to say, it hasn't felt good so far.

Walk righteously, that's God's will. As long as you are living in this world you will need money. Its the love of money that's evil. Don't make money and the things of this world your idol. Yes, the Lord's will might not feel good especially at your age. But that's where the blessing is in the long run.

 

[Trayalc]

Wow, what wonderful and beautiful responses you have all given. Thank you all so much. I must admit that I have not been getting along very well with my parents. I certainly need to change my attitude because I usually get to where I shut them out when I'm truly upset with them. I've been failing at being Jesus to my own family.

It's so strange that I feel more obligated to share the gospel with strangers and friends instead of family. It's almost as if with family, I hold a grudge against them for not leading me spiritually. I definitely need to pray and work on my own attitude and behavior. My parents may not be spiritual leaders in my life, but they truly are amazing blessings.