Understanding how to follow God's will is central to faith. This piece explores why many struggle to obey God, why obedience is important, and the obstacles that might prevent it, as well as the practical ways to overcome those challenges.

It is crucial to understand that everyone has fallen short of God's glory. No one is righteous in His sight (Romans 3:10-18), and even our best actions are insufficient before Him (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, we must abandon any hope of achieving obedience through our own strength.

Study Genesis 3 and Romans 5:12-21 to learn about the cause of human sin. The weight of God's law now falls upon you, revealing the impossibility of full obedience. The wise question to ask is, why is perfect obedience impossible? The answer is found in Genesis 3. Read it thoroughly, then read Romans 5:12-21. Our first ancestors, Adam and Eve, rebelled against God, cursing all creation. As a result, we inherited a sinful nature that despises God, rejects His commandments, and ironically tries to gain favor with God through half-hearted obedience.

Learn the consequences of living in sin. Now that you understand why obedience seems impossible, it's important to know why you should strive for it. God will punish all sinners, including you and me. A sinner is defined as someone who does not obey God's commandments. Understanding this is a motivation to obey: because God will judge those who rebel against His will.

Trust in the Return of Christ. With this truth in mind, God understands everything. When humanity fell into sin through the rebellion of our first parents, He promised a deliverer who would come in the future to defeat the Serpent (see Genesis 3!). This deliverer is Jesus Christ, who is God (Isaiah 9:6-7). He is our Savior! He sacrificed Himself for the sins of all people, both those who have lived, are living, and will live. 1 John 2:1-2 He did this willingly, motivated by God's love for us (John 10:17-18 and Romans 5:6-11).

Receive Jesus as your personal Savior. Understand that God loves you and is your Savior. In His justice, all sin must be atoned for, either by the sinner themselves or by Jesus Christ, who chose to pay the price for ALL sins. You accept this gift by believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior and surrendering to Him as your Lord. This is a gift from God, and even your belief is a gift from Him. Anyone who believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins will be saved (John 3:16), while those who do not believe are already condemned (John 3:36).

Seek forgiveness from the Lord and follow His commandments. Finally, turn away from your sins. If it is God's will, and if you believe, He will transform your heart, causing you to 'bear good fruit' naturally. In the past, it may have been easier to fall into sin, but once God changes your heart, doing good things will come naturally.

Attending a Bible-centered church, one that is filled with the teachings of Jesus and the Gospel, offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of God. It also gives you a chance to meet like-minded people who can offer encouragement along the way.

Avoid the temptation of keeping count of your good deeds as if you are accumulating points to earn God's favor. Stay away from places that focus more on your actions than on the incredible work God has already done for you. And if you stumble in sin, don’t hesitate—rush to Christ! Don’t linger in self-pity. Remind yourself of the grace Jesus has shown by dying for your sins. Read Romans 5 and 1 John 1 for a deeper understanding.