What Is Well-Pleasing To God

Daily Bread

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As you and I go about this new day may we remember the grace we have partaken of and the peace we have because of who Christ is and all that He has accomplished for us through His redemptive work. Such blessings surely should create within us a desire to do what is well-pleasing to God . . .

“Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (II Corinthians 5:9 – NASB)

As the apostle Paul talked about his earthly body, its present condition, its groaning, and the desire to be with the Lord, he purposed to say that no matter which state we were in, “our ambition” is “to be pleasing to” the Lord.

This word “pleasing” is the Greek word euarestou, an adjective from eu (“well”) and aresko (“to please”). It is translated, “pleasing, well-pleasing, acceptable.” Zodhiates writes regarding this word, “Used with reference to God, that which God wills and recognizes.”

I trust you and I “have as our ambition, whether at home (which would be with the Lord) or absent (which would be in our present body), to be pleasing to Him.”

How then can we be “well-pleasing” to our Lord? The Scriptures are not silent regarding our inquiry, note . . .

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16 – NASB)

Paul noted to the Philippian believers,

“But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18 – NASB)

Their sacrificial gift to Paul was a “fragrant aroma” to God, an “an acceptable sacrifice,” and it was “well-pleasing to God.”

When we do good and share, when we give to those who serve God and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is “well-pleasing” to God . . . it is a “fragrant aroma” to Him.

To children who obey the Lord,

“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord” (Colossians 3:20 – NASB)

For adults who are the saved,

“Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please (same root word) the One who enlisted him as a soldier” (II Timothy 2:3-4 – NASB)

The same word is used in Romans 12:1-2. It is a common thread in these and other passages as we, the redeemed, make it “our ambition” to be “well-pleasing” to our Lord.

“For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable (“well-pleasing”) to God and approved by men” (Romans 14:18 – NASB)

This is our responsible service, the call to us as faithful stewards, something that should be our utmost desire, “our ambition” . . . to do what is “well-pleasing” to the Lord.

Have a good day brethren . . . and as you walk do so with an intent to be well-pleasing to God.

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.