“You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord” (Eph. 5:8-10 NIV1984). The Bible contains everything we need to know about how to please the Lord. Paul stated, “…first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (I Tim. 2:1-3).
As we examine more Scripture that reveals what actions please God, may we take a moment to reflect on each one to see if those are priorities in our lives. In Paul’s letter to Titus, he didn’t waste words. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all…” (Titus 3:1-2).Do these actions show up in our lives daily? After mentioning negative actions, the apostle goes continues: “… I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone” (Titus 3:8).
We should want what God desires above anything else. James writes: “…take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20). Later, he added: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (James 4:17).God’s Word is quite plain.
Solomon made this statement: “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Prov. 21:3).
Other verses instruct us not to give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing (Heb. 10:25). We are to be holy like Christ (I Peter 1:16), clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; forgive one another as we have been forgiven and above all put on love (Col. 3:12-14).
We should strive to do all these things mentioned above. We should want to please the one who has given us eternal life, as well as countless other blessings. While our sins grieve the Lord, He does not cast us aside. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). What a great, reassuring and comforting promise.
David wrote, “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, — and forget not all his benefits… For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust… But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him…” (Psalm 103:1-2, 11-14, 17).
Through diligent reading of God’s Word, we see that it isn’t difficult to “find out” what pleases Him.
