Pleasing God...

Editorial By
Marjorie Kinnee

Text: Hebrews 13:20-21 - "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

A recent excellent Bible Study by Sis. Foreman entitled "Three Ways to Please God," was a special blessing to me personally and has been a catalyst for meditation and further consideration. Identifying Righteousness, Integrity, and Holiness, she encouraged us to seek to follow after the Lord wholeheartedly, knowing that the Lord sees everything from the obvious to the thoughts and intents of the heart. Righteousness is imputed unto the faithful and obedient by God Himself. We need a "made-up mind, and our integrity is founded on our determination to follow God no matter what, no matter who's looking or not looking. Holiness is born in a heart that seeks to be cleansed from every sin and filled with His righteousness. It was apparent that these three factors are not only critically important, but they're also intertwined - each adding dimension and strength to the others.

Because two of my innermost, heart-felt longings are to sense His smile of approval toward me, and to hear Him say, "Well done!" at the end of my life's journey - my thoughts turned toward identifying ways we can know we are pleasing our Lord...

First, Hebrews 13:15-16 reveals that the 1.) "sacrifice of praise", 2.) "doing good" [obedience], and, 3.) "to communicate" [with God, His Word, with those He has set over us in spiritual authority, and with each other]. All three of these are counted as "sacrifices" that are "well-pleasing unto God." It is interesting to note the sacrificial part of this equation is that each of these require our submission - sending our will under His. Isaiah 1:19 promises good to those who are willing and obedient.

Second, Proverbs 11:20 tells us "the upright are His delight." In a physical building, an upright is dependable. Other parts of the building can lean on uprights because they support the structure. Spiritually speaking, the upright are pillars in the church; loyal, steadfast, proven over time, committed and dependable. It's no wonder they are pleasing to the Lord.

Third, Proverbs 16:7 provides an interesting bonus blessing... "When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Think about it! When God's smile of approval is on you and your life, your enemies have to sit back and take notice. God's favor is obvious. We have only to look at the lives of men like Joseph and Daniel to see that God's favor is not subject to man's displeasure. Enemies conspired and beset both of these godly men, but God's favor brought them through it all with victory.

Finally, we can rest assured that His favor will carry us through whatever life brings our way. "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy." (Psalm 147:11) There you have it! There are ways to know when we are pleasing our Lord and Savior and that we have His smile of approval. Pleasing God brings bountiful benefits and blessings well worth any and every sacrifice; not only here and now, in this life, but throughout eternity!