There is no doubt that we are living in a powerfully influential culture. The impact upon all of us is staggering. Breaking away from this influence is nothing short of a superhuman effort. Yet, it must be made if we are going to become authentic disciples of Jesus Christ. In fact, we won’t be able to do it unless we learn how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
One of the most damaging influences of the culture is the worldview that God is actually equal to us. Yes I said it correctly; I didn’t mean to say that we think we are equal to God. I am amazed how easily we perceive ourselves to be in a position of either superiority to or equality with God.
Haven’t you been tempted to ask the question, “Well, God, what is in it for me if I obey Your will?” Or have you ever rejected His rules because you wanted something different? I am not speaking of people who are not believers. I am talking about most of us who are faithful churchgoers.
As we live our lives, whose will trump the other?
I am constantly asked by people for the best way to begin to live a life of discipleship. May I offer one simple approach that every person, no matter your level of understanding of theology, can engage in? It does not require hours of study, although that is something that would benefit you greatly.
It is an approach that seems to be almost lost in this day and age – pleasing God.
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- What would happen if we really sought to honor and please God before anything we wanted?
- What would your life look like if your primary motive in treating other people would be to honor God the Father?
- How would other people treat you if you treated them as God desires?
Placing God in His rightful place in our lives causes us to confront our brokenness and self-centeredness. We would have to recognize our desperate need for the Holy Spirit. He is the One who not only gives us the desire to please God, but the power to do so.
Here are some helpful steps to begin:
- Make it your first priority to please God above all else in your life.
- Write some notes to remind you of this new priority and place them in places you are sure to see them often.
- Cry out to the Holy Spirit to help you.
- Share your goal with your best friends so they can encourage and keep you accountable.
- Lastly, be ready to enter into spiritual warfare, because the enemy won’t want you to succeed.
Nice!
Inspiring.
How does this action, my words, my tone please God. My pastor gave our youngest advice on Lent. He encouraged him with this phrase. “When you’re facing it (the thing given up for Lent) say ‘Jesus, I love you more than_____’” I still use it, for myself. God bless you,
Hi Lisa,
thanks for sharing that golden nugget. Lord Jesus, help me remember to use this phrase when I waver from sacrificing. drp
Thanks again Deacon Ralph,
It’s reading your words that help me keep moving in God’s path. I hear and see things all around us in today’s world and I react sometimes with not all the facts. I want to do better with pleasing God and as you say did I ask myself would this please God the answer most of the time is No. I do need to a lot better at putting God first and as you say you will have his strength with you. It’s that male thing in me about asking for help I know our Lord God is there for us and all we really need to do is ask and listen he will be there for us and good things will happen when we listen.
Thanks again for your special words Deacon Ralph may our Lords peace and Blessings be with you always.
Roy Buterbaugh
Humble thanks, Roy.