As followers of Christ, many of us ask a fundamental question: How to please God? Is it truly possible to bring joy to a perfect, holy God while we live in this imperfect world? The answer to this question is both encouraging and inspiring.
According to 2 Peter 1:3, “We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power.”
This truth is a profound reminder that we are equipped by God Himself to live in a way that brings Him joy. It’s not beyond our reach, and it’s certainly not something reserved for a select few believers. Every single one of us, regardless of our background or circumstances, has the ability to please God. The key is knowing how to live this out daily.
1. Recognizing Our Ability to Please God
We live in a world that often pushes us to seek approval—whether from our families, our workplaces, or society at large. Many of us may even carry deep wounds from relationships where no matter how hard we tried, we simply couldn’t please someone. Perhaps you’ve experienced this frustration yourself, particularly in relation to a parent or authority figure.
But here’s the amazing truth: God doesn’t treat us that way. He is not a distant, impossible-to-please figure. He wants us to succeed in bringing Him joy.
The Bible reassures us over and over that we do have what it takes to please God. It’s not about being perfect or getting everything right all the time. It’s about using what He has given us and faithfully living out His purpose for our lives.
No One Has More Ability to Please God Than You
It’s easy to look at influential Christians—leaders, pastors, or even historical figures like Billy Graham—and feel that they had a greater ability to please God. But the reality is that God has given each of us a unique set of gifts, and He’s not comparing us to others.
As Jesus taught in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), God gives each of us talents “according to our ability,” and He measures our faithfulness based on what He has entrusted to us.
One servant was given five talents, another two, and another just one. Both the five-talent and two-talent servants were praised equally for their diligence in using what they had been given. The amount wasn’t the issue; their faithfulness was.
Our Faithfulness is What Pleases God
God is not asking us to be someone else. He’s asking us to be faithful with what He has entrusted to us. This means using our time, talents, and resources to glorify Him. And the beautiful truth is that when we do this, God is pleased.
As 1 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us: “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”
2. Avoiding the Trap of Comparison
One of the most common pitfalls that can derail us from living a life that pleases God is the trap of comparison. In today’s culture, it’s all too easy to look at others and feel like we don’t measure up. But this mindset is not only damaging; it’s also unbiblical.
Each of Us Has a Unique Purpose
God has created each one of us with a specific purpose. Just as the various parts of the human body have different functions, we each have a role to play in God’s kingdom. Romans 12:4-5 says, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”
God’s pleasure in us isn’t based on us trying to be someone else. He delights in seeing us fulfill the role He has given us. When we focus on the unique gifts God has placed in our lives and seek to use them faithfully, we bring Him joy.
Comparison Leads to Either Pride or Envy
When we compare ourselves to others, we either fall into pride (if we think we’re doing better than someone else) or envy (if we feel someone else has more than we do). Both of these attitudes are destructive and lead us away from God’s heart.
But when we embrace the truth that we are all part of one body, each with a role to play, we are freed from the need to compare. We can rejoice in what God is doing in others’ lives and focus on being faithful with what He has given us.
3. How to Please God in Our Daily Lives
So, how do we please God in our everyday lives? What does this look like practically?
Walking by Faith
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith is at the heart of pleasing God. It’s not about relying on our own strength, but about trusting in God’s promises and following His lead, even when we can’t see the outcome.
Obedience to God’s Word
John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” One of the clearest ways we can show our love for God and bring Him joy is through obedience. This doesn’t mean following rules out of duty or fear, but out of a deep desire to honor God with our lives.
Seeking First the Kingdom of God
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When we prioritize God’s kingdom—when we make His will and purposes the center of our lives—everything else falls into place. Pleasing God starts with putting Him first in every area of our lives.
4. The Rewards of Pleasing God
When we live a life that is pleasing to God, there are tremendous rewards—not just in this life, but for eternity.
Joy in God’s Presence
Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” One of the greatest rewards of living a life that pleases God is the joy we experience in His presence. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing we are walking in step with our Creator.
Eternal Rewards
Jesus promises that when we are faithful with what we’ve been given, we will be rewarded. In Matthew 25:21, the master says to the faithful servant, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” The rewards of pleasing God extend beyond this life into eternity.
Peace and Contentment
When we live in a way that pleases God, we also experience a profound peace and contentment. We are no longer striving for the approval of others, because we know we have the approval of the One who matters most. Philippians 4:7 describes it as “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
Conclusion: Let Us Live to Please God
Pleasing God is not something reserved for a few “super Christians.” It’s something each and every one of us is called to do—and the good news is, we are fully equipped to do it. By recognizing our unique gifts, avoiding the trap of comparison, walking in faith, and living in obedience to God’s Word, we can live lives that bring joy to our heavenly Father.
As we strive to please God, let us remember that He delights in our faithfulness and that He has a unique plan for each of our lives. Let’s seek first His kingdom and live for His glory, knowing that our efforts will be rewarded both in this life and in eternity.
Recommended Bible Study Verses:
To further explore how to please God, I recommend studying these key passages:
- Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.”
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.”
- John 14:15 – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
- Romans 12:4-6 – “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function.”
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 – “For who makes you differ from another?”
