Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

How Can We Truly Live a Life Pleasing to God?

Introduction

Living a life pleasing to God is a profound and noble aspiration that requires an intimate relationship with His Word. The Scriptures provide a comprehensive guide to living in harmony with God’s will, emphasizing faith, obedience, and a commitment to righteous living. This article will explore the principles of Christian living by examining a lesser-cited passage of Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24. Here, Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” These verses encapsulate a divine perspective on our actions, attitudes, and ultimate accountability.

The Call to Live for God in All Things

Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 3:23-24 highlights the importance of dedicating all our efforts to God rather than seeking human approval. This call to wholehearted service is rooted in the foundational truth that God observes every action and judges the intentions of the heart.

In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Solomon writes, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” These words reinforce the necessity of living with reverence and obedience, knowing that God evaluates both public and private aspects of our lives.

Laboring with Eternal Rewards in Mind

The phrase “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward” in Colossians 3:24 shifts the believer’s focus from earthly accolades to eternal treasures. Jesus addressed this perspective in Matthew 6:19-21, where he taught, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The promise of an eternal inheritance underscores the significance of our choices and actions in this life. Unlike earthly wealth, which is transient, heavenly rewards are imperishable and reflect the believer’s faithfulness to God’s commands.

Serving God through Righteous Conduct

Paul’s reminder that “you are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24) elevates every task and role in life to an act of worship. This principle is evident in Romans 12:1, where Paul urges believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Christian living, therefore, involves a daily commitment to aligning our conduct with God’s standards.

In practical terms, this means rejecting sin and embracing righteousness. As Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:22, “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Such a pursuit requires intentional effort and the transformative power of God’s Word.

Transforming the Mind through Scripture

A life pleasing to God begins with a renewed mind. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This transformation occurs through diligent study and application of Scripture.

Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The psalmist emphasizes the illuminating power of God’s Word, which guides believers in making decisions that honor Him. Jesus affirmed this truth in John 17:17, saying, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Scripture, therefore, serves as the ultimate authority and standard for Christian living.

Walking in Love and Unity

Central to a life that pleases God is the command to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus instructed his disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Paul elaborates on this in Colossians 3:14, stating, “Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Love, expressed through kindness, humility, and patience, reflects God’s character and fosters unity among believers. It is a tangible demonstration of faith that draws others to Christ.

The Role of Prayer in Christian Living

Prayer is an indispensable aspect of a life devoted to God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Continuous prayer cultivates dependence on God and a deeper awareness of His presence.

Jesus modeled the importance of prayer throughout his ministry. In Mark 1:35, it is recorded, “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” If the sinless Son of God prioritized prayer, how much more should believers seek communion with the Father?

Persevering in Faith and Obedience

Christian living is not without challenges. Jesus warned in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Trials serve as opportunities for spiritual growth and a demonstration of steadfast faith.

James encouraged believers to endure hardships with joy, writing in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Faithful perseverance ensures that the believer remains on the path to eternal life.

Conclusion

A life pleasing to God is characterized by wholehearted service, eternal perspective, righteous conduct, and unwavering faith. By diligently studying Scripture, walking in love, and persevering through trials, believers honor God and reflect His glory to the world. As Paul exhorts in Philippians 2:12-13, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Living for God is a journey that requires daily commitment and reliance on His Word. May we strive to echo the words of the psalmist in Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Jehovah, my rock and my redeemer.”

You May Also Enjoy

Why Should Believers Be Reasonable in Their Expectations According to Proverbs 13:12?

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).