Well Pleasing To God

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” II Corinthians 5:9 NKJV

       A sermon at church preached on this verse brought it to the forefront in my mind.  To be well pleasing to God…hmmm…is that really possible?  Paul, who is writing a letter to the church at Corinth, tells them that he is making it his aim so it is possible.  It is not only possible but should be our aim also.  How do we become well-pleasing to God?

     Two different times in scripture we see where God spoke aloud to Jesus saying He was pleased with Him.

     “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in who I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 NKJV

     In this first scripture we find Jesus getting ready to begin his public ministry.  He goes to John to be baptized, saying it must be done.  Jesus is obedient to the will of the Father.

     “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5 NKJV

     The second scripture is during what is called “the Transfiguration.”  Jesus has let the disciples know that He is the Messiah and has rebuked Peter for wanting to stop His journey to the Cross.  He then tells the disciples that they must not try to save their life but follow Him.  Jesus takes Peter James and John afterwards to a mountain and is transfigured or shown in His glory.  Peter speaks but is interrupted by God who again is pleased.  Jesus is still being obedient to the will of the Father.

     Obedience to what God would have you to do is a key to pleasing God.  He is not looking for a great preacher or teacher.  God does not necessarily want you to go to Africa or sell all you have.  God desires obedience to whatever He asks you to do.

    Many times we try to figure out what we think God would want by looking at others and acting like them.  More Christians “burn out” by doing works that they are not anointed to do.  You may want to sing on the praise and worship team at your church but if God has not anointed you and instead is calling you to a season of intense Bible study, guess what?  You better get your Bible, concordance and highlighter and go to it.  God knows everything that is in store for us and only He knows when we should study, minister, rest or simply be. 

     It all comes down to trusting God while we are taking time to listen.  We hear from Him while we are praying, reading, praising, singing or worshiping and then obey.  We trust that God knows what is best for us.  Ask for patience and wisdom while you wait and when He lays something before you, obey quickly.

     Make it your aim today to be well pleasing to Him.