And find out what pleases the Lord.

 Ephesians 5:10

Do you know what pleases God? Are you sure?

Some Christians spend their lives assuming God is pleased with them simply because they are Christians. They never stop to consider that they might actually be disappointing God with their attitudes and their behavior.

Before his conversion, Paul thought he was the model of righteousness. He assumed God wanted him to rid the world of heretics, so he poured his life into persecuting Christians. Paul was mortified when Jesus opened his eyes and he saw how displeasing his life had been. He was determined never to misunderstand God’s will again. He was adamant that his friends not make his mistake, so he warned them about living under false assumptions. He advised them to find out what pleases God and then do it!

We can be like Paul and mistakenly set our own standards for what we think pleases God; that way we know we can live up to them! We might assume God will overlook our small indulgences as long as we avoid the big sins. So we don’t kill anybody, but we do gossip just a little. We don’t actually hate anyone, but we occasionally criticize others. We don’t pretend to be perfect, but by our own standards, we’re not as bad as we could be.

The problem is, God is not impressed when we live up to our standards; he expects us to live up to his.

If you’ve never investigated what is pleasing to God, now is the time to do so.

As you read your Bible and pray, God will make clear how he wants you to live. Let that-and nothing less-be the standard for the way you live.

Joshua 24:15

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Never ask Jesus to guide your footsteps If you are not willing to move your feet.