LIVING TO PLEASE GOD
The apostle Paul urged the Thessalonian believers to live in a way that pleased God. He followed his urging with several practical instructions on how they might live a holy life. Yet his instruction was based on the reality of their faith in Christ. For the key to living a life that pleases God is faith.
As we read in Hebrews, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Heb. 11:6). So, it is our faith in Christ that saves us and our faith in His indwelling Spirit that empowers us to live a life that pleases God. As Paul told the Romans, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17).
And what does it look like to live by faith? The chief attribute is love. As Paul told the Thessalonians believers, “We urge you to love [one another] even more.” For love fulfills the whole law of God.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to live in a way that pleases You. Help us to live by faith in You today and to let the love of Christ motivate and move us. In Jesus’ name, amen.