Characteristics of self-will

      Self-will is the assertion of one’s personal  desires, preferences, or ambitions over the will of God. It often leads to rebellion, disobedience, and a lack of submission to divine authority. The Bible consistently warns against self-will because it prioritizes human reasoning over God's wisdom, resulting in spiritual consequences.

  Characteristics of Self-Will

      The following are some key characteristics of self-will as revealed in Scripture:

1. Rebellion Against God

      A self-willed individual actively resists God’s commands and refuses to submit to His authority. Rebellion stems from the human tendency to seek independence from God.

      In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul disobeyed God by sparing King Agag and the best livestock after God explicitly commanded him to destroy everything (1 Samuel 15:23). Saul’s rebellion showed his self-will as he prioritized his judgment over God’s instructions.

2. Pride and Arrogance

      Self-will is often rooted in pride, which causes a person to exalt themselves above God and others. Pride blinds people to their need for God and makes them rely on theirown  understanding.

      Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." A self-willed person views their plans as superior and resists divine correction.

3. Disobedience to God’s Word

      A self-willed individual chooses their path over God’s commands, disregarding the authority of Scripture. This is a deliberate act of defiance against God’s revealed will. Isaiah 30:1

4. Impatience and Impulsiveness

      Self-willed people often act hastily, unwilling to wait on God’s timing or guidance. Their impatience leads them to make rash decisions, bypassing God’s direction.

      Abraham and Sarah, in their impatience to fulfill God’s promise of a son, took matters into their own hands. Sarah suggested Abraham have a child with her maidservant Hagar (Genesis 16), resulting in conflict and long-term consequences.

5. Self-Centeredness

      Self-will prioritizes personal interests over God’s purposes and the well-being of others. This selfish mindset contradicts biblical principles of love and humility. Philippians 2:3-4 

6. Resistance to Correction

      Self-willed people often reject correction and wise counsel. They are unwilling to admit their mistakes or change their ways, seeing themselves as always right. Proverbs 12:15 

7. Lack of Submission

      A hallmark of self-will is the refusal to submit to God’s authority or to spiritual leadership. Submission requires humility, which self-willed individuals lack. Hebrews 13:17 

8. Worldly Desires

      Self-willed individuals are often driven by worldly desires, such as materialism, lust, and ambition, rather than seeking God’s kingdom. 1 John 2:16 

9. Hypocrisy in Worship

      Self-will can lead to superficial worship, where individuals honor God with their lips while their hearts remain far from Him. Matthew 15:8-9 

Overcoming Self-Will

      The Bible offers guidance on how to overcome self-will and live in submission to God’s will:

1. Surrender to God

      Overcoming self-will begins with surrendering your life to God and acknowledging His authority over every aspect of your life. Proverbs 3:5-6

2. Seek God’s Will Through Prayer

      Regular prayer helps align your desires with God’s will. Jesus modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). 

3. Study and Obey God’s Word

      Studying Scripture reveals God’s will and helps guard against self-will. Obedience to His Word keeps you on the right path. Psalm 119:105

4. Cultivate Humility

      Humility is the antidote to pride and self-will. Recognize your dependence on God and place His will above your own. James 4:6

5. Submit to Spiritual Authority

      God places leaders in our lives to guide us. Submitting to their counsel helps curb self-will. Hebrews 13:17

6. Wait on God’s Timing

      Patience is essential in overcoming self-will. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it requires waiting. Psalm 27:14

7. Rely on the Holy Spirit

      The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist self-will and live according to God’s desires. Galatians 5:16

8. Practice Self-Denial

      Denying yourself daily and taking up your cross is a key principle in following Christ. Luke 9:23

 Jesus Christ The Ultimate Example

      Jesus is the ultimate example of submission to God’s will. Throughout His life, He consistently prioritized the Father’s will over His own desires. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). His obedience, even unto death, provides a model for believers to follow.

      Self-will is a significant spiritual issue that can lead to rebellion, disobedience, and separation from God. However, by surrendering to God, cultivating humility, and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome self-will and live in alignment with God’s purposes. Let us, like Jesus, pray for God’s will to be done in our lives, trusting that His plans are always for our good and His glory.