Biblical Answer

The question of how to know if one is living in obedience to God's will or just living by one's own standards is a crucial one. The Bible emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience to God's commands and standards. In 1 John 2:3, it is written, "And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments." This verse highlights the connection between obedience and a personal relationship with God. When we obey God's commands, it is a reflection of our love for Him and our desire to follow His will.

However, it can be challenging to distinguish between obedience to God's will and living by one's own standards. The Bible warns against relying on our own thoughts, insights, or understandings, which can compete with and hinder obedience to God (Matthew 22:37-40). True obedience requires a willingness to surrender ourselves to God in total obedience, even when we don't agree with Him (Romans 12:1-2). This means that we must be willing to abandon ourselves to God and trust in His sovereignty, rather than relying on our own understanding or desires.

In order to live in obedience to God's will, we must prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. As Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me" (John 4:34). When we put God's will first, we will find that His guidance and direction will become more clear, and we will be able to discern His will for our lives. This requires a willingness to trust in God's sovereignty and to surrender ourselves to His will, even when it is difficult or challenging. As the Bible says, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God" (Hebrews 10:9). When we prioritize our relationship with God and seek to obey His will, we will find that we are living in harmony with His purposes and plans for our lives.