Pleasing God

We make it our aim . . . to be well pleasing to Him. — 2 Corinthians 5:9

Andy Warhol, the pop-art painter of such American images as the Campbell’s soup can, once said, “In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.” But he was wrong. There are millions of people who will never grab their moment in the spotlight. Some of them are the men and women who spend their lives doing things like working hard, raising godly children, faithfully praying for others, sharing their faith with those who don’t yet know Jesus. They teach Sunday school, bring meals to the sick, drive senior citizens to doctors’ appointments, and do countless other kindnesses.

These people may never be recognized outside their circle of family and friends. Certainly, their names aren’t well known. And although they willingly, and often sacrificially, give of themselves, they may not receive a whole lot of thanks or praise for their service. Yet God knows of their faithfulness and is pleased by their obedience.

Second Corinthians 5:9 teaches us to “make it our aim to be well pleasing” to God. As we, by faith, believe in Him and give our lives in service to Him. He is pleased (Heb. 11:6). That’s our reward, because God’s approval is always sweeter than the applause of the crowd.     — Cindy Hess Kasper

Look not to the people around you,

Nor wait for their laurels of praise;

Enough that the Savior has found you

And calls you to serve all your days.        — Hess

READ: Hebrews 11:1-6

The deeds God finds pleasing are those done in service for Him.

The Bible in one year:

• Ezekiel 1-2

• Hebrews 11:1-19