Re: Offering ourselves as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). If we have no free will or individual desire (see Psalm 20:4 & 37:4) then aren’t we limiting Gods gift of imagination and intellect? Are you saying there is no room for individual aspirations? In an intimate relationship with God isn’t it the spirit that actually places desires and aspirations within our hearts and minds and then gives us the ability to attain those goals? Do you believe God does not want us to have personal desires? Do you believe our desires are in conflict with the the efforts of the indwelling spirit of God?
Many people who have never experienced what its like to live a life in submission to God have this concern. I know I did. But after being on both sides of the issue, I’ve concluded that it’s only when we’ve made the choice to follow God’s will for our life that we’re able to enjoy the full expression of our imagination and intellect. Remember, Psalm 37:4 says when we delight ourselves in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart. And Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). The most blessed life we can ever live is one lived according to God’s will.
Here’s why. In Galatians 5:17 Paul said, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
The only way we can be free to live our life to the fullest is to submit ourselves to God. Choosing to maintain control of our own destiny is choosing to settle for less than what God wants for us, and He wants more for us than we could ever imagine.