“Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8b-10 NIV

I thank God for the beautiful world and the colorful changing of the seasons!

When I was young, I know that I was more of a “people-pleaser”. I didn’t like to get in trouble and so I tried to please my parents; I did my chores (mostly without complaining), listened to them and tried to obey their rules. At school, I tried to please my teachers; I got good grades, stayed out of trouble, and conformed to their rules. As I got older, I continued to look to the expectations of others as I chose my career path and college. I think we all have fallen into this snare of considering what others may think of us as we make our choices.

But as humans, God’s creations made in His image, we have the unbelievable power to please God! I understand that as I strive to please God that I may also be pleasing others, but my focus is not on what others may think of me or my actions, but that God is pleased with my heart. My motivation is now to please my Lord.  And I will admit, that I must continually work on my God-pleasing focus.

In Ephesians, Paul is explaining that we are God’s children, His “children of the light”. We are to seek out goodness, righteousness and truth and discover what pleases the Lord and in effect, do those things.  What then can we do to please the Lord? Here are just a few from the scriptures, what else can you find?

God-Pleaser

Love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind.

Praise the Lord from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Thank the Lord for His love and all He has done.

Shine God’s love to the world and produce good fruit.

Be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, serving Him and His children.

Live your life wisely, making the most of every moment.

Study the Lord’s word to know His will for your life.

Rejoice in the presence of the Lord and again I say rejoice.

This week let’s examine our hearts and our motivations and strive to become God-pleasers more than people-pleasers.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me today as we all endeavor to please our Holy God.