In what ways can we discern if our actions are pleasing to God? Our Aspiration to Please Him “So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it.” (2 Corinthians 5:9) Foundational Truths to Keep in View • Scripture is God-breathed, reliable, and the final authority for what pleases Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • God’s standard never changes; our aim is constant, whether on earth or in heaven (Malachi 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:9). Checking the Heart—Why We Do What We Do • Love for Christ: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Faith, not mere performance: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) • Desire for His glory, not our applause (1 Corinthians 10:31). Evaluating Actions by the Word • Direct commands—obey what God has clearly said (Exodus 20; Matthew 28:20). • Principles—apply broader truths such as purity, honesty, and compassion (Philippians 4:8). • Patterns—follow examples of obedient believers and, above all, Christ Himself (1 Peter 2:21). Listening to the Spirit’s Witness • Inner conviction: the Spirit affirms righteousness and exposes sin (John 16:8). • Peace that guards the heart when choices align with God’s will (Colossians 3:15). • Prompting toward self-denial and service, never toward self-exaltation (Galatians 5:16-17). Observing the Fruit • Character transformation: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Growth in good works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10). • Edification of others and advance of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Philippians 1:12). Seeking Wise Counsel • Mature believers help confirm or correct our perceptions (Proverbs 11:14). • Church leadership watches for souls and provides shepherding (Hebrews 13:17). Living in Light of the Judgment Seat • “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ …” (2 Corinthians 5:10). • Eternal evaluation motivates present obedience—choices now echo forever (1 Corinthians 3:12-14). Daily Practice for Discernment 1. Read and meditate on Scripture, asking the Spirit to reveal God’s will. 2. Examine motives honestly, surrendering self-interest to Christ’s lordship. 3. Compare decisions with biblical commands and principles. 4. Note the Spirit’s confirming peace or convicting unrest. 5. Look for godly fruit and welcome the counsel of trusted believers. 6. Remember the coming judgment seat, letting eternity shape today’s choices. Encouraging Assurance When our actions align with God’s Word, flow from faith and love, bear the Spirit’s fruit, and hold up under wise counsel, we can move forward confidently, knowing we are walking in a manner that pleases Him (Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). |
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