Devotionals

What pleases God?

by Susan Barnes 
08/01/17
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“Our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food . . . Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them” 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (emphasis added)

Why was God not pleased? The next verses tell us that some were idolaters, some committed sexual immorality, some tested the Lord, and some grumbled. Despite the fact that the Israelites had gone through some wonderful spiritual experiences, most were not right with God. Likewise, we can go through the outward appearances of baptism and commit to other spiritual practices, but that in itself doesn’t please God.

Jesus called the Pharisees "whitewashed tombs," because they appeared to people as righteous since they searched the Scriptures, prayed regularly, tithed, and fasted but on the inside their hearts were not right with God (Matthew 23:23-28).

So what does please God? “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). God is pleased when we come to him in prayer. It shows our belief in him, and our persistence demonstrates our faith.

Furthermore Micah 6:8 explains that God is pleased when we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. When our motivation is to please God, it transforms our attitude to one of being considerate of others, extending forgiveness, and being humble. We walk with God, when instead of pursuing our own agendas and timetables, we submit to his plans and purposes.