Pleasing God

“…and find out what pleases the Lord.” Eph 5:10 (NIV)

We tend to live our lives trying to please others. Just about the time we feel as though we have reached the pinnacle of pleasing others, they change their mind. After hosting Dr. Robert Smith of Beeson Divinity School for a few days, he shared with me an amazing concept. He said, “Don’t fall in love with the Body (Body of Christ); fall in love with the Head. The Body is fickle. They will be singing ‘Hosanna’ on Monday and then ‘crucify’ on Thursday. The Father is faithful.”

Does anything else matter more than living to please God? Is there any other pursuit that supersedes that of pleasing God? What are you currently giving your life to? 

• “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Col 1:10 (NIV)
• “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thess 2:4 (NIV)
• “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb 11:6 (NIV)

 What does a life that pleases God look like?

• Living worthy of the Lord
• Bearing fruit in every good work
• Growing in the knowledge of God
• Speaking as one approved by God and entrusted with the Gospel
• Believing that God exists and rewards you as you earnestly seek Him

Make God’s smile the goal of your life today. You may want to place a smiley face sticker on your dashboard near the speedometer in your car to serve as a daily reminder of why you exist. You are alive to make God smile.

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care