There is a very short but outstanding story in the Bible about a man who experienced something that almost no one else got to experience - he never died.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God (Heb. 11:5)
There might not be a book of Enoch in the Bible, but his example and story are amazing. How good do you need to be to please God so well, that He would just take you?
I can't ask Enoch for his success recipe, but I can read the Bible which answers many of my questions. Recently I've found a passage in the letter to Colossians that gives pretty detailed advice on how to please God!
we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may... 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; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Col. 1:9-11)
Fruit Of Good Works
I have no doubt that we all understand what would be considered good works. Whether or not we live like that is a whole other question. Once in Sunday school, I asked my students what they would do in a certain situation and they said: "I know what I'm supposed to do but I would probably do a different thing!"
Our good works are the proof of our wisdom (Jas. 3:13), a testimony for the unbelievers (Matt. 5:16), a weapon against foolishness (1 Pet. 2:15), a way to show love (Heb. 10:24), and an example before others (Tit. 2:7).
Sometimes we might feel like our good works and righteous deeds are left unnoticed and so are pointless just because we don't see the fruit. (Imagine putting effort into picking a gift for someone and not receiving any thanks or excitement).
But I believe that all our efforts are not hidden from the sight of our Father. We don't do it to impress people or get a reward, but to please the Lord in the first place!
Knowledge Of God
Jesus once told a story about people who considered themselves Christians and were actively involved in ministry but were rejected in eternity since they didn't have personal relationships with Jesus (Matt. 7:21-23). Scary image, isn't it?
Our Christianity should not be built on our knowledge about God but our knowledge of Him and our relationship with Him. This relationship doesn't end after repentance, water baptism, or even the moment of baptism in the Holy Spirit. This relationship should be alive, it requires constant growth.
A few weeks ago I posted 10 practices for spiritual growth, and that post got very good reviews since it gives simple and practical instructions on how to increase our knowledge of God.
Strengthening With Power
I don't know about you but I sometimes feel completely weak and helpless. The more hectic and uncertain the world becomes, the more often we find ourselves out of control. The more often we happen to be in a position of weakness.
While we can seek strength from different sources, the Bible tells us that God doesn't just offer us help - He enjoys strengthening us with His power, according to His glorious might! He is happy to offer us His support and guidance, He is ready to fight for us in our battles, and He shows His grace to us over and over again, strengthening us in our weaknesses.
If you want to get a more practical explanation, read Ephesians chapter 6, but also my thoughts on being strong in the Lord and the whole armor of God.
Endurance And Patience
These two are often mentioned in the New Testament which tells us that we might need them in our Christian lives. Patience and endurance prove to be helpful when we face troubles and do heavy work for a long time. Both happen pretty often.
James suggests we should "count it all joy" when we face trials since they produce patience that makes us "perfect and complete" (Jas. 1:2-4). When the circumstances make it hard to be joyful, the author of Hebrews gives us some practical advice:
let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Евр. 12:1-2)
Jesus voluntarily endured the cross and received His reward in Heaven. And now His example can encourage us when we don't feel like being patient.
Joy And Thanksgiving
Have you ever rejoiced with someone? I mean, being happy just because someone you love is happy? I think something like that happens in the heart of the Lord when we rejoice.
This is why He nurtures the fruit of joy in our spirit (Gal.5:22), and this is why He offers us the fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11). I once wrote that the key to happiness and real joy is in God's hands.
The next couple of verses offers us a long list of God's accomplishments and qualities that are worthy of praise. Some translations even connect it with the previous verse telling us to give thanks with joy. Whatever the author had in mind, I am sure that thanksgiving is one of the ways to please God. Who wouldn't enjoy receiving thanks from someone who you love to death and sacrificed everything for?
I will only give you one thought about thanksgiving that has been living in my heart for a while: God is worthy of our praise regardless of our circumstances. Even if I feel like there aren't enough blessings in my life, this doesn't change the fact that God loves me, blesses me, and is waiting for me in Heaven!
Religion Vs Relationship
I could try and write a list of requirements that are needed to fully please God but I would have two problems. One is that no person on earth could complete it (remember Israelites and the law), and the other is that this list wouldn't exist!
God doesn't expect rituals and perfect behavior from us, He expects sincere hearts and dedication. You may not know all the rules, not understand theology, or some church practices. But if every day you will start with a question: "Lord, how can I please You today?", He will not only show you the right way but also will greatly appreciate and love your heart burning with love for Him.
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