2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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A WALK THAT PLEASES GOD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
1 Thessalonians 4:1
Ephesians 4
“…how ye ought to walk
and to please God…”
A WALK THAT PLEASES GOD
In 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, Paul entered a new section of his epistle, where he exhorted the readers directly. In chapters 1 to 3, he recounted some of the events and experiences that he had with them, of how the Gospel came to them and how he rejoiced over their faith. He gave some updates of events that had transpired in the months since he left them. Now in chapters 4 and 5, he came to the main gist of his letter where he shared certain important instructions that he wanted to teach them.
He began with a very general but impactful exhortation, that they “ought to walk and to please God” (1 Thess 4:1). This is the simple principle that every Christian must adopt as the motto in his life. Throughout Scripture, the term “walk” has been used to describe one’s conduct, the way that one carries oneself, one’s manner of life. Paul called for them to be very conscious of the way they lived, the choices they made and the things that they did – that it must be done in accordance with God’s desires for them (likewise, for us), in a manner that would bring great pleasure and delight to Him. Furthermore, they must “abound more and more” (1 Thess 4:1)! They were never to rest on their laurels, but to continually increase and improve in their walk with God, doing more each day to live lives that please Him.
How is your walk with the Lord? Do you seek to please the Lord in all that you do? Is He alone the foremost priority of your life, such that all your decisions are centred on the desire to do His will? That is what a walk that pleases God looks like. It is one that daily denies self, takes up the cross and follows the Lord. Unfortunately, many who claim to be Christians today care nothing about pleasing God. They seek only to please themselves and fulfil their own desires. As Paul warned, that is what it will be like in the last days, where many will be “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof ” (2 Tim 3:4-5). Which is a description of you?
THOUGHT: Is your walk today better than it was yesterday?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou help me to walk in a way that pleases Thee, and may my walk with Thee be closer with each passing day.