What are some of the things that we might consider a part of the "general will of God?" We could write a book listing the things which are the general will of God, but fortunately it already exists in the form of the Bible. The Bible is filled with things God wants us to do.

Sometimes these things are stated simply ("Love one another"). Others are stated in a negative sense, telling us what he does not want us to do ("Thou shalt not..."). Sometimes the information is available in stories or incidents which we can apply to our own lives ("Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow..."). Taken together, these methods provide a large resource for us to learn the general will of God.

Let's take a look at just a few examples of the general will of God for all believers.

Most people are familiar with the 10 Commandments, and they provide a basic teachings about God's will. It is God's will, for example, that you have no other gods before him. So you know you are doing his will if God is first in your life. Likewise, you can be assured you're doing God's will if you don't worship "images" (which could be any material object), don't curse God, don't kill people, don't commit sexual sin, steal, lie or other such things (Exodus 20).

So, reading the commandment on adultery, you should never have to question whether it's God's will for you have an illicit sexual affair. It's clearly against the general will of God regardless of the particular circumstances that might drive you to such action. Decisions like this should be a "no brainer" since there is no decision to make other than one of obedience.

Jesus gave us a way of life rather than a book of rules. Jesus made this point when he said, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ...But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand..." (Matthew 7:24-27).

And what words should we put in practice? Those words where he gives his general will for all, like:

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

"Be reconciled to your brother" (Matthew 5:24)

"I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).

"I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." (Matthew 5:44)

...and, of course, hundreds of others. We learn about the general will of God as we study the Bible.