IGood morning, one and all
Every day we are faced with making dozens, if not hundreds, of decisions. Some are inconsequential, like “What color socks should I wear?” Other decisions have more consequence, such as “Should I answer my friends inquiry truthfully?” In any event, the overriding direction we should go in as we make these decisions is–what would be pleasing to God?
What pleases God is perhaps not always the #1 consideration of our plans and actions. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our minutia and not even consider how God feels about our decisions. I mean, He can’t possibly see what all of our decisions are, can He?
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” [Matthew 6:6]
But it’s clear that pleasing God is important:
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” [Psalm 19:14]
“The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” [John 8:29]
The flip side of doing things to please God is not doing something that we should be doing. A clear example is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan:
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, (who had been beaten) he passed by on the other side.” [Luke 10:31]
Inaction can be just as disappointing to God as taking the wrong action:
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” [James 4:17]
I’m confident that all of you try to please God most of the time. But perhaps there are additional opportunities presented to us where we could give that smile, open that door, speak that encouraging word, and otherwise react positively to the ‘God Appointments’ that come into our life. And when we make that right, consequential decision, I’m sure that God would be pleased.
Blessings to all,
Keith