By Rev Josh Chigorimbo
INTRODUCTION:
Some good Christians think pleasing God is an elusive, unpredictable and impossible task. Nothing is further from the truth! God’s Word has clear indicators of what it takes for anyone to be acceptable in the sight of God, regardless of background or circumstance. How many of the following legit ways of pleasing our Lord are you familiar with?
1. God Is Pleased When We Live Justly, Mercifully And Humbly
7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:7
2. God Is Pleased When We Believe He Is Real And Answers Prayer
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb. 11:5-6
3. God Is Pleased When We Walk In The Spirit And Not In The Flesh
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Romans 8:8-9
4. God Is Pleased When We Are Kindhearted And Generous
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16
5. God Is Pleased When Our Hearts Are Upright
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. 1 Chronicles 29:17
6. God Is Pleased When We Bear Fruit And Know Him More And More
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10
7. God Is Pleased When Children Obey And Honour Their Parents
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Col. 3:20
8. God Is Pleased When Our Words And Thoughts Are Pure
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless and I shall be innocent of great transgression.14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14
9. God Is Pleased When We Yield Our Bodies As Living, Holy Sacrifices
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
10. God Is Pleased When We Prioritize Character Than Legalism
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 14:18
11. God Is Pleased When We Support His Servants
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Philippians 4:18
12. God Is Pleased When We Pray For Leaders And Humanity
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. 1 Tim 2:1-3
13. God Is Pleased When We Take Care Of Widows
But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 1 Tim 5:4
14. God Is Pleased When We Endure Persecution Well
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 1 Peter 2:20
© Rev Josh Chigorimbo, 2014