Are You Pleasing God?
Dear Friends,
As children of the Living God, it is our supreme desire to love the Lord and please Him in every way:
1 Thessalonians 2:4
We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Romans 12:1-2
I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
There is a true story of a talented young man who studied violin under a very prominent, world- renowned violinist. After years of rigorous training and practice, he was now prepared to perform his first, and most important, public recital before a large audience. Though his exceptional performance was met with enthusiastic applause and shouts of “Bravo,” the young artist remained uneasy during the performance, looking for the approval of only one listener – his beloved teacher. At one point in the performance, an elderly man in the audience warmly smiled and nodded his head in approval! Only then was the young man relieved of all stress, tension and uncertainty. The young violinist’s eyes were fixed solely on the master throughout the entire performance. His face radiated with joy and peace at the praise of his teacher!
Are we living to please men or God? I regret the times I said “yes” to men, and in so doing, said “no” to God.
John 12:43 (emphasis mine)
…for they (the Pharisees) loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus – not on men:
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Are our eyes fixed on the Master – looking for His approval? Oh, how glorious it is to have Jesus smile upon us!
May you and your families enjoy the Lord’s richest blessings and peace this summer!
Pastor Paul