What is the Will of God for people in the 21st century?

By James Katende – The will of God for people in the 21st century is an invitation to a deeper understanding of His divine purpose in a rapidly changing world.

In an era marked by technological advancements, global connectivity, and cultural shifts, God’s will remains steadfast and unchanging, calling humanity to align itself with eternal truths that transcend time. In a world filled with noise and distractions, the will of God is not a distant ideal but a tangible reality, accessible to those who earnestly seek Him. As we navigate through this century, we are faced with challenges and opportunities that demand wisdom, faith, and courage, yet at the core of all of it, God’s will calls us to one simple, yet profound command: to love, to serve, and to live out His truth.

At the heart of God’s will for us is the call to love—love of God and love of neighbour. This command, given by Jesus Christ, transcends all time and circumstance. In a world that is often fragmented by divisions of race, politics, and religion, the call to love becomes not just an act of kindness but a revolutionary force. It is the love that dismantles barriers, heals wounds, and creates unity amidst chaos. Love is not merely an emotion or a feeling but a conscious decision to act in accordance with the heart of God. It is in this love that we find our highest calling, and it is through love that the will of God is most fully revealed.

In the 21st century, where many are consumed by materialism, the pursuit of success, and the desire for personal gain, God’s will calls us to something higher. It calls us to a life of humility, of sacrifice, and of selfless giving. The culture around us may glorify individual achievement and wealth, but the kingdom of God is built on the principles of service and surrender. To walk in the will of God in this age means to live a life that reflects His priorities—not those of the world. It means choosing to lay down our own desires for the sake of others, choosing compassion over competition, and kindness over self-interest. In a world that often values power and prestige, God calls us to the power of humility and grace, where true greatness is found in loving others as Christ loves us.

God’s will in the 21st century is not limited to personal morality or individual devotion. It calls us to engage with the world in ways that reflect His justice, mercy, and truth. In a time where injustice, oppression, and inequality still run rampant, the people of God are called to be agents of change. His will is for us to stand up against systems that exploit and dehumanise, to speak out against hatred and violence, and to be advocates for the marginalized and oppressed. The will of God is active, calling us to work toward a society that reflects His kingdom, where peace reigns, and righteousness is upheld. This is not a passive calling; it is one that demands bold action, sacrifice, and sometimes, confrontation with the powers that be.

In a digital age where information flows freely but wisdom can be scarce, the will of God also calls us to discernment. We are surrounded by voices that seek to shape our thoughts and beliefs, but not all of them lead to truth. To walk in God’s will today means to seek His wisdom above all else, to be grounded in His Word, and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, the need for discernment has never been more urgent. We must learn to filter the noise of the world through the lens of Scripture, letting the truth of God’s Word shape our worldview. The pressures of the 21st century—social media, consumerism, entertainment, and the constant demand for our attention—can easily lead us astray if we are not anchored in the timeless truths of God.

The will of God in the 21st century calls us to a life of purpose and mission. The world is in desperate need of hope, and as followers of Christ, we are called to be light in the darkness. Our lives are meant to point others to the truth of God’s love and salvation. This is not a calling reserved for pastors or missionaries alone; it is the calling of every believer, regardless of their station in life. In our workplaces, our schools, our families, and our communities, we are called to live out the gospel in a way that draws others to Christ. The will of God is not passive or private; it is a commission to go into the world and make disciples, to be ambassadors of His Kingdom in every sphere of life.

Finally, God’s will for us in the 21st century is to embrace the eternal hope that He offers. Amidst the uncertainty and trials of this age, we are reminded that our hope is not in the things of this world but in the eternal promises of God. While technology, politics, and society may change, the truth of God’s love and the hope of eternal life remain constant. In the face of adversity, we are called to endure, to trust in God’s plan, and to hold fast to the hope that He is working all things together for good. God’s will is not just about what we do in this life, but about where we are headed in the next. It is a call to live with eternity in mind, to lay up treasures in heaven, and to fix our eyes on the eternal prize.

In conclusion, God’s will for the 21st century is not drastically different from His will for humanity throughout history. It is a call to love, to serve, to seek justice, to discern truth, and to live with purpose and hope. Yet, in this particular time and place, His will requires us to engage with a world that is more connected, more divided, and more complex than ever before. It challenges us to live counter to the prevailing culture and to be faithful witnesses of the gospel in all that we do. It is a call that demands everything from us, but promises that in yielding our lives to Him, we will find true peace, fulfilment, and purpose. As we step into this new age, let us be a people who walk in the will of God, living lives that reflect His glory and advance His Kingdom on earth.