“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” (2 Cor. 5:9) As followers of Christ we need to be pleasing to our Lord. Paul says that is to be our aim, our goal in life. To make it our aim requires a conscious decision and effort to keep the goal in front of us. We must hold ourselves to the highest standard of righteousness year in and year out, day by day. Many loose sight of the real priority of life as a follower of Christ. Our first priority is not to win souls, or establish new churches. Our first obligation is not to hold revivals or be teachers. Our first goal is and always will be simply “to be well pleasing to Him.” It is not a lack of spiritual experience that leads us to failure, but a lack of effort to keep our eyes focused on the right goal. We need to examine ourselves continually. Look at our lives in the eyes of God and determine if we measure up to the standards set for our lives.

Many loose sight of what is important in an effort to be pleasing in the sight of others. What really matters is what the master thinks and sees. We need to be cautious of the goals we set for ourselves. Any goal that diverts us even to the slightest degree from seeking the approval of places us in danger of facing rejection by God. “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.” (2 Tim.2:14:16) Paul warned Timothy of the need to be cautious with regard to idle (foolish) words and speech. The result of vain words is ungodliness, which means that God is not pleased with the focus of our lives, because the focus is not God. Just as important as our speech is the need to continually search out God’s word and apply the word correctly and accurately.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Cor. 9:24 - 27) Paul speaks of the importance of controlling his own body so that it would not take him in the wrong direction. We too must control our bodies – bring them into subjection – watch our lives and be assured that we are living according to holiness and righteousness, “well pleasing to Him.” This is made possible only by continually “looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.” (Heb. 12:2)

We must learn to relate everything we do to the primary goal set for our lives. It must always be our first goal to be pleasing to God – Paul said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil.3:12)

Think about it!!! Mike

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Rom.12: 10 – 16)