Self-Will Is Idolatry


To be self-willed is to make our own life decisions without seeking to discern and do what the Lord wants us to do in each situation (1 Ki 11:11, CEV). It is to not be submissive to the Lord, to refuse to follow His plan (Rom 2:8, JB with Phillips). In Rom 10:21, being self-willed (Weymouth) is understood to include defiance (REB), being disobedient (KJV), and arguing with God (NLT). A professing believer who is self-willed is a Laodicean ‘Christian’ because ‘Laodicea’ means ‘people ruling’ (Rev 3:14, ASB note). When we are this way, we seek to be god of our own life rather than be part of God’s kingdom where He rules our life. See Jn 5:30 (NLT and AB). 

There are consequences for being self-willed: (1) If we won’t have God control us, we give an opportunity for sin (and, possibly, the demonic) to control us to an increasing degree (Gen 4:7, NAB with CW). (2) Self-will is as serious a sin as asking idols for advice (1 Sam 15:23, CEV). (3) Self-will brings us under a curse (Isa 66:3, NLT). (4) It reduces the Lord’s willingness to entrust us with much (Mt 25:28, CW). (5) Self-will leads to our drifting from God (Jer 3:22, ASB note). (6) It makes our life of little or no eternal consequence (Prov 15:32, Message). 

How do we avoid being self-willed? We can practice being aware of God’s Presence and listening to Him throughout the day (cf. Jn 5:30, Berkeley and Message). It helps to remember that we are not our own master – the Lord is (Rom 14:7, Knox). Being completely surrendered to doing God’s will works against being self-willed (Lev 10:3, AB and note). Finally, we may hold to plans in a tentative way in case God wants to do something else (Jas 4:15-16, NLT).



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