A Life that pleases the LORD!

 

The quest for a life that pleases the Lord is a central theme in Christian doctrine, emphasizing the transformation of one's life to align with divine will. This thematic pursuit is deeply embedded in scriptural exhortations and the lived example of Jesus Christ, who epitomized a life dedicated to pleasing God the Father. In exploring this theological imperative, it is essential to consider both the scriptural basis for such a life and the practical outworking of this principle in the believer's life, with a focus on Psalm 69:29-33 from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, among other pertinent scriptural references.

The Scriptural Imperative to Please God

29 But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 30 I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. 31 This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. 32 When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. 33 For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Psalm 69:29-33 (ESV).

The Psalmist's cry in Psalm 69:29-33 reveals a profound yearning not just for deliverance but for a life that finds favor in God's eyes. This passage, while rooted in a context of suffering and a plea for salvation, underscores a broader theme of relational fidelity to God, characterized by trust, worship, and a commitment to righteousness. The Psalmist's assurance that "the Lord hears the needy" (v. 33) and values a spirit of humility speaks to the heart of what it means to please God: a life marked by dependence on Him, worship that transcends circumstances, and a commitment to the marginalized.

In the New Testament, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ offer the perfect embodiment of this principle. Jesus' singular focus on pleasing His Father (John 8:29) sets the paradigm for Christian living. This is not a mere moral or ethical conformity but a relational posture of obedience and love towards God. The Apostle Peter builds on this, urging believers to "add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5). This progression from faith to virtue and then to knowledge encapsulates the transformative journey of sanctification, where pleasing God is both the motivation and the outcome of a life growing in godliness.

The Attitudes and Actions That Please the Lord

10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:10 (ESV)

10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10 (ESV)

Ephesians 5:10 and Colossians 1:10 further expand on the attitudes and actions that characterize a life pleasing to God. The Apostle Paul's exhortation to "find out what pleases the Lord" Ephesians 5:10 calls for a proactive discernment of God's will, which is manifested in a lifestyle of love, purity, and wisdom. Similarly, in Colossians 1:10, believers are encouraged to "live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." This encapsulates a holistic vision of the Christian life, where pleasing God encompasses both moral integrity and active engagement in God's mission in the world.

The Transformative Power of Seeking to Please God

Engaging in the discipline of seeking to please God transforms the believer's priorities, values, and actions. This transformation is not merely for personal piety but for the purpose of bearing witness to the kingdom of God. As Christians cultivate virtues and grow in knowledge, they become more attuned to the heart of God, reflecting His character in their relationships and endeavors. This process of sanctification, while personal, has communal and cosmic implications, contributing to the church's mission and the eschatological hope of the new creation.

Conclusion: A Call to Holistic Devotion

The call to please God, as articulated in Psalm 69:29-33 and expounded throughout the New Testament, presents a comprehensive framework for Christian discipleship. It is a call to a life of virtue, knowledge, and active engagement in the world that reflects the character of Christ. This life is marked by a deep love for God, expressed through worship, obedience, and service. The theological imperative to please God is not a burdensome task but a joyful response to the grace of God in Jesus Christ, leading to transformation and renewal.

As R.C. Sproul aptly noted, the Christian's greatest pleasure should be to please their Redeemer. This pursuit is both a privilege and a responsibility, inviting believers to a life of deep communion with God characterized by faithfulness, humility, and love. Let every Christian, therefore, seek to echo the Psalmist's heart and the apostolic exhortations by asking the Lord to enable them to please Him in every thought, deed, habit, and word, for in doing so, they find their truest joy and purpose.