In the grand tapestry of Christian faith, there exists a central thread that binds believers together—the pursuit of pleasing God. It is not merely an obligation but a joyous endeavor, akin to a child striving to bring delight to their loving parent.
This pursuit finds its roots in the boundless love of God, which serves as both the catalyst and the destination of our efforts. As we embark on this journey, let us explore the depths of what it means to please our heavenly Father.
2 Corinthians 5:9 (NKJV) Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
At the core of our quest lies the apostle Paul’s poignant declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:9, where he articulates the singular aim of every believer—to be well pleasing to God.
This declaration serves as a beacon, guiding us through life’s myriad pathways toward the ultimate prize of divine approval. Understanding this aim transforms our perspective, elevating our pursuit from mere religiosity to a vibrant expression of love and devotion.
The Goal: Thrilling Our Heavenly Father
Paul’s choice of words—“We make it our aim…”—underscores the intentional nature of our pursuit. It is not a passive longing but an active endeavor, requiring dedication and focus. The term “aim” implies direction, suggesting a deliberate alignment of our desires and actions with the will of God.
Our goal, the as Christians, is not merely to satisfy divine requirements but to delight the heart of our heavenly Father—to thrill Him with our lives.
In delving deeper into Paul’s exhortation, we encounter the term “well pleasing” (euarestos) – a Greek word, which denotes a level of satisfaction that transcends mere adequacy. It speaks of a quality of relationship characterized by intimacy and affection, where our actions bring genuine joy to the heart of God.
Thus, our pursuit is not marked by mediocrity but by excellence, as we endeavor to surpass the ordinary and offer God the very best of ourselves.
The Main Thing: Cheerfully Pleasing God
Paul’s message in The Message translation resonates with a sense of urgency and priority—“Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing.” Here, the essence of our pursuit is distilled into a single imperative: to make pleasing God our primary focus, irrespective of external circumstances. This echoes the sentiment expressed by Jesus himself, who declared that loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37).
Matthew 22:37 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Embracing this truth transforms our perspective on life, elevating the pursuit of divine pleasure above all other endeavors. It redirects our energies, refocusing our attention on what truly matters and igniting within us a fervent desire to bring joy to the heart of our Creator.
In making pleasing God the main thing, we align ourselves with the eternal purposes of God, participating in the glorious unfolding of His redemptive plan.
Desire to Please: A Reflection of Our Love for God
Our innate longing to please God finds its origin in the depths of His unfathomable love. Just as a child seeks to bring joy to their parent’s heart out of love and gratitude, so too do we, as children of God, yearn to please our heavenly Father. This desire is not born out of obligation but springs forth from a heart overflowing with love and adoration for the One who first loved us.
As we bask in the boundless love of God, we find our greatest satisfaction in knowing that He is pleased with us. It becomes the driving force behind every thought, word, and deed—a relentless pursuit of divine approval that permeates every aspect of our lives. And in the embrace of His love, we discover a joy that transcends circumstances, anchoring our souls in the unwavering assurance of His pleasure.
The Reward of Pleasing God
The pursuit of pleasing God is not without its rewards. While our primary motivation stems from love and devotion, Scripture assures us of the abundant blessings that await those who earnestly seek to please their heavenly Father.
As Paul declares in Romans 5:18, the righteousness of Christ brings not only deliverance from sin and death but also an abundance of grace and the gift of eternal life.
Romans 5:18 (NKJV)
18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
Furthermore, the pursuit of divine pleasure unlocks a reservoir of joy and fulfillment that surpasses human understanding. It infuses every moment with purpose and meaning, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. As we align our lives with God’s perfect will, we partake in His divine nature, experiencing the fullness of joy that comes from walking in fellowship with Him.
Conclusion: Redemption and the Path to Pleasing God
In conclusion, the journey of pleasing God is both a privilege and a responsibility bestowed upon every believer. It is a journey marked by love, devotion, and unwavering commitment—a journey that leads us into the very heart of God. As we walk this path, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, and press on toward the prize of divine approval that awaits us in His presence.
Recommended Bible Study Verses:
- Romans 5:18 (ASV)
- “So then as through one trespass the judgment came unto all men to condemnation; even so through one act of righteousness the free gift came unto all men to justification of life.”
- Matthew 27:46 (KJV)
- “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
- John 3:17–18 (NKJV)
- “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
- Matthew 25:41 (NASB)
- “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;”
- 2 Corinthians 5:9 (NKJV)
- “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”
