Living to Please God

What does it mean to "live to please God"? "By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his transformation he was approved, having pleased God." Hebrews 11:5 (HCSB) Of course, the Lord Jesus could say, "One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him." John 8:29 (HCSB).         

In the short time Paul had been with the Thessalonian believers, he had instructed them regarding ethical matters; how to live lives that please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2). They had 'received' (vs. 1; this is the Greek word paralambano, meaning to receive, identify with, or associate with) 'commands' (vs. 2; this is the Greek word paraggelia, meaning commands or orders) regarding how they should live in a way that pleased God. But consider this thought: Was this a list of do's and don'ts, or simply a guiding principle? I believe both are taught here.

The Apostle Paul proceeds to give them a list of ethical instructions (one of several he gave in his writings) in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-12. A new believer who knows little or nothing of God will need clear rules to follow in the beginning, much as a child does in infancy and throughout the toddler years. But with growth and maturity comes a desire to know the 'whys' of what we do and do not do. In addition, we come to desire a more intimate knowledge of the 'Who' behind the 'whys'. A growing believer's desire goes from simply being obedient to "living to please God".

We can be obedient and not desire to please God. Jonah is a prime example. He repented of running away from God and disobeying His command to go and preach to Nineveh. He then did what God commanded, but his heart was not in it. He did not wish the Ninevites to repent. In fact, he sat outside the city pouting because the people repented and found God's mercy! God could bless His Word, but He could not bless His servant. "Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart." Ephesians 6:6 (HCSB)

Here are some thoughts about 'Living to Please God'. First, it's a radical concept. How can we know and love Him, if we don't seek to please Him? It takes self out of the way and places Someone else first. It challenges the very reality of our profession. Am I really a follower of Christ? Am I seeking to please Him? Next, it's a flexible principle. It takes us off the 'list standard' and places us more under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The clear ethical commands of Scripture are a starting point, and the Spirit will never lead us to contradict the commands of Scripture regarding ethical matters. He will, however, lead us beyond rote obedience toward a love relationship. In fact, He will lead us back into the Scriptures where we become better acquainted with the One giving the commands. But notice the difference: we go from obeying to please the law-giver, to discerning our Shepherd's voice and following Him. Last, it's a progressive lifestyle. There is no arrival point. Living to please God is a continuing pursuit. We are summoned to please Him more and more (verse 1b). The stronger and more intimate the relationship, the greater the desire and effort to please Him.

So, what do we do with this? First, seek to obey God's commands. Next, seek a growing love relationship with the Lord. Finally, evaluate everything by this question: "Does this please God?"