And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Children live
to please; grandchildren do as well.
My wife and I
once had the privilege of keeping two of our grandsons every day while our
daughter worked. Both lived to please us and were quite excited when they did. When
they were young, simple things such as putting away their toys brought a
handclap of joy when the job was done. When we asked them to fold their hands
for the blessing before dinner, they eagerly obeyed. Handing us an item was
done without fussing or arguing. Should we say, “Let’s go to Pop’s school,” they
would head for the door. Regardless of what we asked, they obeyed. But we knew
the time would come when they wouldn’t be as eager to please. The desire to
disobey would sneak in, and their sinful nature would rear its ugly head.
Acceptance—a
basic human need—explains children’s eagerness to please. By pleasing others
and receiving their praise, approval, or thanks, they satisfy this need. Being
accepted results in happiness and healthy living. Feeling unaccepted delivers
the opposite.
Parents
aren’t the only ones born with an innate desire to please. I also have this
inborn need for God’s acceptance. My instincts drive me to worship and attempt
to please him. If I neglect or ignore this need, I’ll find myself going down
paths of rebellion—just as children do when they reach the “terrible twos.” But
if I move toward this instinctive desire, I’ll gain God’s acceptance.
Faith in what
Jesus did on the cross is the only way to please God. Faith that he has an
eternal home awaiting us. Faith he’ll see us through every trial. Faith he can
show us abundant living. Faith he’ll work all things for our good even when
they aren’t good. Faith he’ll enable us to do what he’s given us gifts to do. Faith,
plain and simple.
Faith in God
drives us to obey him, and this is the only way we can please God. Are you
living to please God or someone else?
Prayer: Father, enable us to please You by living a life of faith in Your Word and promises.
Tweetable: Are you pleasing God?
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