But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (Galatians 5:16-17)
The first step for believers in pleasing God is to be sure we are walking by the Spirit, not in the desires of the flesh and this can only happen when we accept the sacrifice for sin that He provided for us by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Paul explains the difference between the sinful nature and the nature of those regenerated by the Spirit. He who lives in sin has his mind established in sinful desires, while those regenerated by Christ have a completely new mind that is controlled by the spirit and desires to live according to the Holy Spirit’s leading. “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:6-8).
As we see, pleasing God is a matter of living according to His precepts and commandments as Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). It requires giving up our will, denying our natural desire for honor and approval, and having our mind fixed on the Lord to keep our thoughts pure every moment of the day.
Think about this! If Jesus walked into where you presently are, would you be ashamed of what you were doing or watching? If you are doing something that would bring you shame if others saw it, is a clear indication that what you are doing isn’t pleasing to God. However, when we are honest with God about our weaknesses, then He can help us overcome them if we are sincere about truly wanting to change.
Christians have a responsibility to put to death their old nature through daily surrender or else they cannot live a life pleasing to God. Those who listen to the Holy Spirit will not think about fulfilling the desires of the flesh, because their thoughts are occupied with the God’s Word, His ways, and purposes.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” So, what dominates your thoughts?
The life that pleases God is continually seeking to know God better and requires an obedient heart that “walks in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). It also requires faith because “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
The Word says that we are to be imitators of God, as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1). Just as Christ, in His absolute perfection, lived to please God, we have to follow His example by spending time in prayer, and studying the Word.
Jesus Christ lived a perfect life doing everything for the glory of God. The Apostle Paul sought to do the same thing by following Christ’s example and we also can imitate Christ by obediently walking in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21) and showing love and thankfulness to Him by staying true to His teachings and commands.
Remember to treasure each day. Don’t live in constant regret of the past or fear of the future. Treat each day as the gift from God that it truly is because, each day is another opportunity to grow in faith and understanding. You’ll please God simply in seeking Him day by day; as the Psalmist said:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
(Proverbs 4:23-27)
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