… and find out what pleases the Lord.
Summary: In this short passage, Paul challenges us to find out what pleases the Lord. Part of the challenge is pleasing the Lord even when we don’t feel like it.
Where do you go to find out “what pleases the Lord”? Does Jesus have a FAQ* page on his website? Is there a phone number we can call? Perhaps he left a note?
One of the many fascinating things about Jesus is that he did not leave a written record of his words for us to read. Not directly, at any rate. Jesus wrote on hearts instead of paper. The hearts Jesus wrote on tell us about Jesus in their writings.
Jesus taught that he and the Father (God) are one (John 10:30). Jesus then summarized what pleases the Lord this way:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)
So, there you have it. Love God above all else, and love your neighbor as yourself.
But what if you don’t feel like loving God or others? Worse, what if you don’t feel lovable? How do we please the Lord, then?
Fortunately for us, the kind of love Jesus looks for is not a feeling. Don’t get me wrong! It can be a feeling, but it doesn’t have to be.
Having a bad day? Feeling down? Do you feel sorry for yourself today because of _____ (fill in the blank)? God understands. He made our emotions. He doesn’t want us to feel bad, but he understands if we do. After all, we live in a corrupted world. Worse, we live in corrupted bodies (See Genesis 2-3).
Anytime we take our eyes off Jesus, we see only our wants and needs. In Jesus, we see solutions. Without him, we see emptiness and frustration.
What pleases the Lord? Trusting him with our wants and needs pleases him. Trusting him to take care of us. Trusting him to decide what is important.
We are not the superheroes we aspire to be. We are human, often with “feet of clay.” Jesus is the superhero. He is the one who stood up to the bullies, who called their bluff, and who let them try to call him. Only Jesus wasn’t bluffing. He died. Yes, that is true. They killed him for standing up to them. They killed him for being honest about who he is. They killed him because he threatened the darkness they used to cover what they were really like.
Yes, Jesus died on a cross, crucified and humiliated. And he was buried. And then … he rose from the dead.
What pleases the Lord? Admitting that he is who he says he is. Recognizing that he is alive. Accepting his love.
Application: Say “Hi” to Jesus and tell him “Hi” from me, too.
Food for Thought: What is on your list of things that please the Lord?
*Frequently Asked Questions
What is on your list of things that please the Lord?
Chants, mantras, empty prayer, “turning over a new leaf,” preparing in advance how I’m going to approach Him, looking for scripture that validates my agenda, inserting His guidance when it’s convenient for me, condemning myself, not “bothering” Him with “stupid things”…oh wait, that’s the list of things that don’t please Him.
Thoughtful reflection, meditation in His Word, genuine prayer with a submissive heart, honest and open vocalization (internally and externally) of how I am feeling and thinking and asking for guidance, asking for help in the small and the large, asking for and receiving forgiveness, giving forgiveness, helping others, sharing His Word…too many to list.
I have found that the simplest and most effective prayer that pleases Him is “please help me” and “thank you.” Not so much those words but that understanding that this is beyond your capability, trusting Him enough to ask, and then asking. When He answers you, sharing the joy He has given you in earnest praise, the humble joy in your heart.
John 14:13-14 ESV Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
John 15:7 ESV If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Colossians 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Chris,
Thank you! I like the way you contrasted the “good” list with the “not-so-good” list. Well done! 🙂
08-17-2023, What is on your list of things that please the Lord?
Jesus is very pleased as we humbly allow Him to serve Our God and others through us.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39
Thank you, Ron!
So true!
I agree with R2T2, Jesus gave us the short list in Matthew 22: 37 – 39. There are other longer lists that give us more information about what pleases Him, such as act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6: 8).
Thanks Rich,
Micah 6:8 is another great summation of what pleases God.