God Pleasers: Choosing Him Over All Else
As human beings, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to please others. We often find our self-worth in what others think of us and their opinions of our actions. But as Christians, our ultimate goal should be to please God above all else.
Being a “God pleaser” means that everything we do, from our thoughts to our actions, are done with the intention of pleasing and glorifying God. It means putting Him first in every aspect of our lives and making decisions based on His will for us, rather than what society or our own selfish desires dictate.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse reminds us that when we put God first, everything else will fall into place. When we prioritize Him and His will for our lives, He will provide for all our needs and desires.
Choosing God over all else can be challenging, especially when it means going against the norms and expectations of society. It may mean making choices that are unpopular or may result in criticism from others. But as Joshua 24:15 states, “Choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
So how do we become God pleasers? Here are some ways to live a life that is pleasing to God:
1. Seek His Will through Prayer and Bible Study
God wants to reveal His will for our lives, but we must seek Him and listen for His guidance. Prayer and Bible study are essential to discerning His will and understanding His character. Jesus often went to secluded places to pray and connect with God, and we should follow His example.
Romans 12:2 reminds us to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” By renewing our minds through prayer and Scripture, we can better understand God’s will and make choices that align with His desires for us.
2. Obey His Commandments
God has given us commandments to follow, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a way to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). When we obey His commandments, we show our love for Him and demonstrate our desire to please Him.
In Mark 12:28-31, Jesus states the two greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we strive to obey these two commandments, we will be living a life that is pleasing to God.
3. Serve Others
Jesus said, “...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Serving others is an essential part of living a life that is pleasing to God. When we serve others, we are following Jesus’ example and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Whether it’s volunteering at a homeless shelter or simply helping a neighbor in need, serving others is a tangible way to show God’s love to the world and bring Him glory.
4. Trust Him Completely
Trusting God can be difficult, especially when we’re facing uncertain or challenging circumstances. But Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Trusting God means surrendering our own desires and trusting that His plan is best. Even when things don’t make sense or we can’t see the outcome, we can trust that God is in control and has our best interests in mind.
5. Seek His Approval, Not Man’s
In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
As Christians, we should seek God’s approval above all else. It’s tempting to want validation and acceptance from others, but our focus should always be on pleasing God. When we prioritize His approval, we are freed from the bondage of people-pleasing and can live the abundant life He has for us.
Choosing God over all else requires daily surrender and intentional living. It means acknowledging that our lives are not our own, but belong to Him. When we live with the mindset of pleasing God, we will experience a sense of joy and fulfillment that cannot be found in anything else.
In conclusion, being a God pleaser means seeking His will through prayer and Bible study, obeying His commandments, serving others, trusting Him completely, and seeking His approval above all else. It’s a daily decision to put Him first and make choices that align with His desires for us. May we all strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him.