I would like one weekend to survey every 21 year or older who are in attendance at church. I would like to ask one question: If you were to pass away right now would there be any doubt in your mind that you will go to heaven? The answer is – yes or no. I don’t want to know who you are. I just want to know what percent have a true relationship with God.

A lot of people believe but many struggle with faith. Faith is putting into action what we believe. Even the apostles lacked faith prior to the resurrection and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. To those who would have answered yes to the survey I would like to share what I believe God promises each one.

You should expect God to let you see and hear things that others may never see or hear.
-You will be able to trust God when others may be unable to do so.
-You will be able to have faith that others may never have.
-You will be able to accomplish things that others will be unable to do. Faith removes the fear of reasonable risk!

God will allow you to have your needs met and others may never meet theirs. Those who live as the world lives will never have enough and will always want more.

We have tremendous advantages as Christians when we do the will of our Lord. Scripture that I use occasionally is 1 John 2:15 – 17 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” NLT

What does it take to do the will of God and what are some advantages? We are to have a pure and a sinless heart with holy and righteous motives. That comes as a result of surrendering our old nature, self-centeredness and following Christ’s ways. We must reject the world’s ways.

1 John 5:4 – “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” What does John mean by defeating this evil world? He means not submitting to the desires of the world and thus doing God’s will. It may mean being ethical in all things. Or, it may mean staying out of debt. We should be a giver rather than a taker. It could be a person who is an encourager and builds others up rather than discouraging and tearing others down. It may mean that I might want all the things the world offers but am content with meeting my basic needs and sharing with others. Are we willing to reject the world’s lifestyle and how most people think?

According to Scripture those who do God’s will are special. If we are special then we can accept God’s promises as they are meant for us. Remember the parable of the talents? God took the money from the bad and lazy servant and gave it to the good and faithful steward. There are many promises that give a number of advantages to Christians who do the will of God. Keep in mind those doing His will, will always have advantages. Live looking for what special things God has in mind for each one of us. And continue to count the many blessings with which God will shower us.