How do we please God?
It’s not by going to church. It’s also not by prayer time or giving in the offering.
Before you stop reading, those things are scriptural, and we should do them. However, to do those things and hope God is pleased is no more than legalism.
“Are you prayed up today?”
That’s a question that reinforces legalism, the concept that we must perform for God if we want to please him. The same is true if we emphasize church attendance or offering receipts in order to validate our spiritual connection with Christ.
God looks for something else. He desires obedience wrapped in the package of faith in order for us to please him.
Hebrews 11:6 gives us our first look at the heart of God.
“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.”
Philippians 1:6 assures us God will stand by us.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Mark 11:24 tells us we can depend on him.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Malachi 3:10 explains how we can test the Lord.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Psalm 103:1-5 reveals the depths of his love for us.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
James 5:14 offers help to the infirm.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
Hebrews 10:35 says our faith is our greatest treasure.
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.”
So, we’re back to our initial question. How do we please God? Easy. We trust in him through faith in his holy Word, and we live how the Bible instructs us to live.
When we find our faith in the cross, we find God is faithful unto us.
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