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Intention to Please God
By William Law
Introduction
In chapter two of his 1728 classic, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, William Law explores why so many professing believers live lives which are indistinguishable from non-believers. He sees the primary cause not as ordinary human weakness or lack of God’s empowerment, but rather as a lack of intention to please God. Law embarks on his subject by looking at the widespread practice of cursing in his day, which was very common among professing believers. Today, we might think of this or other issues, but the basic question remains the same: why do the lives of professing believers differ so little from the lives of nonbelievers? And Law’s answer is as relevant now as it was in 1728 and reminds true disciples of Jesus Christ of the necessity of forming a firm intention to please God and living accordingly. Please read the following excerpts slowly and reflectively.
Now the reason of common swearing is this: it is because men have not so much as the intention to please God in all their actions. . .
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C.S. Lewis Institute
Author
C.S. Lewis Institute, in the legacy of C.S. Lewis, works to develop wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ who will articulate, defend, share, and live their faith in personal and public life. Founded in 1976 by Dr. James Houston and James R. Hiskey, the Institute provides leading teachers who address important issues of the day from the perspective of Biblical orthodoxy, while also providing discipleship for individuals in small groups.

COPYRIGHT: This publication is published by C.S. Lewis Institute; 8001 Braddock Road, Suite 301; Springfield, VA 22151. Portions of the publication may be reproduced for noncommercial, local church or ministry use without prior permission. Electronic copies of the PDF files may be duplicated and transmitted via e-mail for personal and church use. Articles may not be modified without prior written permission of the Institute. For questions, contact the Institute: 703.914.5602 or email us.
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C.S. Lewis Institute
Author
C.S. Lewis Institute, in the legacy of C.S. Lewis, works to develop wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ who will articulate, defend, share, and live their faith in personal and public life. Founded in 1976 by Dr. James Houston and James R. Hiskey, the Institute provides leading teachers who address important issues of the day from the perspective of Biblical orthodoxy, while also providing discipleship for individuals in small groups.
