Biblical Answer

The question of whether we are living in obedience to God's will or just living by our own standards is a crucial one. The Bible teaches that true obedience comes from a willing heart, surrendered to God's will. This means that our actions are not just driven by our own desires or moral codes, but by a deep-seated commitment to following God's commands. As the Bible says, "For it is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). This passage highlights the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, not just by our own standards.

To determine whether we are living in obedience to God's will or just living by our own standards, we need to examine our motivations and actions. Are we doing what God wants us to do because we love Him and want to please Him, or are we doing it because it makes us feel good or because it's the "right" thing to do? The Bible teaches that "if you love me, you will keep my commands" (John 14:15). This means that our love for God should drive our obedience, not just our desire to do the "right" thing. We need to ask ourselves, "Am I obeying God's will because I love Him, or am I just trying to follow a set of rules or moral codes?".

Ultimately, living in obedience to God's will requires a deep-seated commitment to following Him, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. As the Bible says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). This means that we need to be willing to surrender our own will and desires to God's will, and trust that He knows what's best for us. When we do this, we will find that our lives are transformed and we are living in obedience to God's will, not just living by our own standards. As the Bible says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). This means that God has a plan for our lives, and when we obey Him, we will find that His plan is good and perfect.