Knowing God's Will PART I<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

By Shane Idleman 
"It's almost too late," jumped from the pages as I read an article by noted author and speaker, Josh McDowell. He stated that the reason so many young people are losing ground in the area of spiritual truth is because their parents are not involved in teaching them in word or action. He continued, "One of the most common questions I get is, 'How could we live for Christ, when we don't want the Christ that our parents have?'" Wow, that should force us all to ask, "Who am I influencing, and who's influencing me?" Now, more than ever, it's time to make solid choices in unstable times. When the deterioration of the family is coming from within the same walls that were designed to protect it, it's time for change. "What does this have to do with God's will?" you may ask. A great deal: If you are a parent, or plan to be one, your greatest investment will be in your children-period! Your goal may be to own a business, climb the corporate ladder, or pursue a profession; whatever you choose, there is no greater opportunity than to promote the spiritual success of another, especially your child's. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Character is not only taught; it's caught. It's demonstrated through the lives of parents.
We live in a society that emphasizes wealth and possessions, but these things have no eternal value. I hardly remember my parents' income or many of the material things they gave me. I do, however, remember the values they taught, those things that money cannot buy. It's been well stated that the best things in life aren't things. Although I took a temporary detour in my younger years, my parents' example left a lasting impression. Never underestimate the power of parenting!
It's possible to succeed in business, but fail at home. Look around, it's happening everywhere, from the pulpit to the boardroom. Unfortunately, the price of success is often paid at the family's expense. A friend of mine once shared a tragic story. He told of a trip to the hospital to visit a man who was dying. The man could no longer speak; he could, however, write. What followed was more devastating. The man cried as he wrote. At the top of his list he wrote that he regretted not spending more time with his family. He was in anguish over the fact that he had not been a better father and husband, but, instead, had built his life around other things. When all is said and done, it's devastating to find that life was invested in those things that hold no lasting value. Be grateful and consider it a privilege that God has given you the ability to make a difference in the life of another.
Many say, "If I had more money, I'd be happy." If you believe that wealth makes people happy, think again. Money can buy the best mattress, but it can't buy sleep. Why do millionaires, movie stars, and top entertainers often turn to suicide, divorce, drugs, and alcohol if success satisfies? They soon discover that money and fame are not the answers. Celebrities frequently admit being happy when their career produces fame and fortune, but very unhappy when it doesn't. Many of us do the same thing: we often measure happiness by what's "happening" to us. When things go right, we're happy; when things go wrong, we're unhappy. If happiness is always measured by our circumstances, the road ahead is going to be very disappointing.
One of the best times in my life was when I went from working seventy hours a week as a corporate executive running multiple fitness locations to working in construction and writing books. During that transition, I realized that the more that I owned, the more that owned me. Money can be a great servant, but a terrible master.
Even though God cares about the smallest details of our lives, His will focuses primarily on spiritual growth, not on material things. We, however, often focus on physical things: a nice car, a huge bank account, and a large home. But even with all this, we often lack fulfillment. We want what we think will make us happy-God wants to develop our character and conform us into the image of His Son. This is the first step in truly understanding God's will. (See Romans 8:29.) More to follow. . . .
Shane Idleman, author of the "What Works" book series, speaks throughout the country. He lives in Southern California with his wife and children. He can be reached, (and his books can be viewed at): www.ShaneIdleman.com; speaking excerpts can be seen at www.GodTube.com.