Pleasing God: A Rational Choice for a Fulfilling Life
Isaac Megbolugbe
October 26, 2024
Introduction
In a world where personal autonomy and self-actualization are highly valued, the concept of pleasing God may seem antiquated or even restrictive to some. However, for those who believe in God’s existence and sovereignty, pleasing Him is not only a biblical mandate but also a rational choice that yields profound benefits. In 2 Corinthians 5:9, the Apostle Paul writes, “Our goal [is] to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” This article explores the rational case for choosing to please God and provides practical guidance on how to do so.
Why Please God?
1. Creator-Creation Relationship: As our Creator, God has inherent authority over our lives. Recognizing His sovereignty acknowledges the reality of our existence and our dependence on Him.
2. Moral Guidance: God’s standards provide a moral framework for living, guiding us toward choices that promote our well-being and the greater good.
3. Love and Care: Pleasing God demonstrates our gratitude for His love and care, reflected in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
4. Eternal Significance: Our actions have eternal consequences. Pleasing God ensures our lives have lasting impact and purpose.
5. Transformative Power: Seeking to please God leads to spiritual growth, character development, and a deeper relationship with Him.
How to Please God
1. Seek Scripture: Study the Bible to understand God’s character, will, and desires (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Prayer and Reflection: Regularly communicate with God, seeking guidance and introspecting on your actions (Psalm 119:105).
3. Obey His Commands: Align your life with biblical teachings, even when challenging (John 14:15).
4. Cultivate Faith: Trust God’s sovereignty and provision, even in uncertainty (Hebrews 11:6).
5. Serve Others: Demonstrate God’s love by serving and loving those around you (Matthew 25:31-46).
6. Worship and Gratitude: Express praise and thankfulness for God’s presence and blessings in your life (Psalm 95:1-7).
7. Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers for support, encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Overcoming Obstacles
1. Selfish Desires: Recognize and surrender personal interests that conflict with God’s will (Romans 6:12-14).
2. Doubts and Fears: Bring concerns to God in prayer, trusting His goodness and wisdom (Psalm 73:1-28).
3. Cultural Pressures: Resist societal norms that contradict biblical values (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Conclusion
Choosing to please God is a rational decision that brings numerous benefits, including a deeper relationship with Him, moral guidance, and eternal significance. By seeking Scripture, prayer, obedience, and community, we can cultivate a lifestyle that honors God. As Paul wrote, our goal is to please Him, whether in this life or the next. Embracing this mindset will transform our lives and prepare us for an eternal future with God.
Additional Resources
– Bible Study: Explore biblical characters who pleased God, such as Noah (Genesis 6:8-22) and David (1 Samuel 13:14).
– Prayer Journaling: Record your prayers and reflections to track your spiritual growth.
– Community Involvement: Join a local church or small group to surround yourself with fellow believers.
– Devotional Materials: Utilize resources like “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers or “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young.
Furthermore Still
A pleasing mindset can have a profoundly positive impact beyond our relationship with God as outlined above to include various significant relationships:
Parents and Children:
1. Encourages empathy: Parents with a pleasing mindset can better understand their child’s needs, feelings, and perspectives.
2. Fosters open communication: Children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions, knowing their parents will listen and respond supportively.
3. Promotes positive reinforcement: Pleasing parents focus on praising good behavior, encouraging children to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.
4. Sets healthy boundaries: Parents with a pleasing mindset establish clear expectations while being understanding and flexible.
Husbands and Wives (Romantic Partners):
1. Cultivates emotional intimacy: Partners with a pleasing mindset prioritize understanding and validating each other’s feelings.
2. Encourages teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support become the norm, strengthening the bond between partners.
3. Fosters constructive conflict resolution: Pleasing partners focus on finding solutions together, rather than “winning” arguments.
4. Promotes appreciation and gratitude: Regular expressions of gratitude and appreciation strengthen the relationship.
Employees and Supervisors:
1. Enhances collaboration: Employees with a pleasing mindset are more likely to offer help and support to colleagues.
2. Encourages open feedback: Supervisors with a pleasing mindset create a safe space for employees to share concerns and ideas.
3. Fosters growth and development: Pleasing supervisors provide constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
4. Boosts morale and engagement: Employees feel valued and appreciated, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
Common benefits across relationships:
1. Builds trust
2. Encourages active listening
3. Fosters empathy and understanding
4. Promotes conflict resolution
5. Enhances communication
6. Encourages mutual support and growth
Rational principles underlying a pleasing mindset:
1. Reciprocity: Recognizing that relationships are a two-way street, where both parties benefit from mutual support.
2. Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing one’s own emotions to better navigate relationships.
3. Empathy: Prioritizing the feelings and needs of others.
4. Positive reinforcement: Focusing on strengths and accomplishments to encourage growth.
5. Flexibility: Adapting to changing circumstances and needs.
By applying these principles, individuals with a pleasing mindset can cultivate stronger, more meaningful relationships across various aspects of their lives.
