Pleasing God 

   “Now, my children, I give you this command: serve God sincerely and do what is pleasing in His site;” (Tobit 14: 9) 

   To please God is the work of a Christian, it is our purpose in life; it leads us on the path to freedom and eternal life.

   Pleasing God isn’t hard although it takes resolve, especially in a society that seems determined to eliminate all things Godly.  When others seek only to please their own selfish desires it takes strength and courage to stand apart; to seek to please God rather than self.

   Sacrificing for others, showing them love and compassion, is pleasing to God.  By serving those in need we are serving Christ who said, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matt 25:40).

   Loving another for the good of the other, willing to sacrifice our own desires, is pleasing to God who sacrificed His own Son for our salvation.  How can we look upon Jesus hanging on the cross and not recognize the love he has shown us; how can we refuse to share that love with others?

   Satan has filled the world with desires and pleasures that lead us from God.  Society is replete with selfishness and disdain for sacrifice.  What the world calls love is far too often based on what can be gained by loving another rather than loving them as they deserve to be loved.  Freedom has become the license to do whatever we desire with no thought of the consequences to others or to our very soul.  True freedom is the opportunity to serve God and spend eternity in His presence.

   Pleasing God in a wicked world is not always easy, but no one ever said it would be easy.  Pleasing God means seeking His will in all things, even though I may not always understand the why, and even when it is difficult.  But the reward of eternal life in His heavenly kingdom far outweighs any difficulties I may be called to bear.