The Seven Objectives: # 3 Pleasing God

Pleasing God: Part 1

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments,

and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:22

I discussed previously the objectives of Fearing God and obeying God. Our third objective in a series of seven objectives of the Christian life, is to please God.

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us

how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 1 Thes. 4:1

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. 13:6

There is a difference between obeying God and pleasing God. We feel God is pleased when we obey; and we know God is displeased with our disobedience. But, is there more to pleasing God than just obeying? The Bible couples obedience and pleasing together, but acknowledges them both. What is the difference? God will accept our obedience, but He is pleased by willful service. Are we obeying the rules or are we seeking to obey Him?

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments,

and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:22

There is a difference between serving, and having servant's heart,. Paul, on the road to Damascus, was met by none other than Jesus Christ. It is academic to say he feared God. We see in the passage how he immediately obeyed God. But the first words he spoke when meeting Christ were, "Lord what wilt Thou have me do?" This is the question by which he would live the rest of his life. He did not simply obey God, he began to actively seek the Lord's will.

The Bible tells us David was a man after God's own heart. No one can read the Psalms and see simply a life of obedience. David pursued the will of God.

Two key words make the difference.

Attitude: When it come to obedience, is ours an attitude of obligation, or an attitude of desire? Do we have to pray and read our Bible, or do we want to pray and read our Bible. Do we have to go to church, or do we want to go to church. Desire over obligation is the key to pleasing God

The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law,

and make it honourable. Is. 42:21

Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Ps. 119:4-6

Lifestyle: The Bible uses the word "conversation" in reference to what we cal "lifestyle." Pleasing God is not an occasional event. We either live to please ourselves, others or Him.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be

in all holy conversation and godliness, 2 Pet. 3:11

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God; Co. 1:10

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men,

I should not be the servant of Christ. Gal. 1:10

Our attitude and our lifestyle is the key. It is more than just obedience that pleases God. Next time I will explain that God is not pleased with all obedience.

Just a thought. Thank you for reading.