What is the foundation for pleasing God? What must we have for God’s approval? Paul writes “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision means anything, but faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6). God’s approval is not based upon our:
Keeping the letter of the law
Following Church rules and traditions
Satisfying the expectations of church people
Being better than the next person
Thinking “We” are the only ones who are right
But we can BE pleasing to God only by a Faith which is motivated by our love for God. That means we must live in the constant conviction of the goodness of God who has set us free in Jesus.
BEING pleasing to God involves our having an attitude of a total reliance on God’s goodness, love and grace. This notion may be compared to a child’s absolute trust in a wise and loving mother and father and an employee who does things only for a salary. The child does things for his/her parents out of love and respect. The employee may do similar things which the child does but only because of personal benefit. Thus, the difference in motivation is going to impact their response.
So is it with the Christian faith. What counts is not our merely doing Christian things and having a Christian worship assembly or even having a Christian baptism. What counts is motivation—an obedient Faith Working Through Love. That has God’s approval.
August 25, 2019
Dr. Taylor A. McKenzie
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