Living for God isn’t a one-time event; it is a daily pursuit. We find our inspiration in Philippians 3:13-14, where the Apostle Paul writes:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
The point here is that we cannot live on yesterday’s victory. We have to “forget what is behind”—whether that is past failures or past successes—and intentionally press forward today. To please God, we must be reaching for what He has for us right now.
Faith is the Key to Pleasing Him
We must understand that our efforts alone aren’t what please God; it is the faith behind them. We look to Hebrews 11:6:
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Every day when you wake up and decide to pray, to read your Bible, or to act in kindness, you are “diligently seeking Him.” That faith moves God. He is a rewarder, and He sees every effort you make to align your life with His will.
A Living Sacrifice
Finally, we must ask ourselves what it looks like to please God in our daily conduct. Romans 12:1 gives us the answer:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Pleasing God is our “reasonable service.” It’s not an extra credit assignment; it’s the heart of our walk with Him. When we offer our daily choices, our words, and our actions as a “living sacrifice,” we are creating an atmosphere that is acceptable and pleasing to Him.
Walking it Out
This week, I challenge you to make it your first thought each morning: “Lord, how can I please You today?” Don’t worry about being perfect; just worry about pressing. Reach for Him, seek Him diligently, and let your life be a living sacrifice.
Philippians 3:7-14
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.