The Cross of Christ means Life

Proverbs 15:8 Pleasing God

I am always amazed when I find it possible that God could be 'pleased' with man. This is especially true when you realize that His "pleasure" is not based on performance or works. This "wonder" is increased when you look at who God praises. King David, a man who sinned grievously by adultery and murder, is called "a man after God's own heart". Lot is listed among those of great faith. His choices in life would not have led any of us to put him on the 'man of faith' list.

Clearly our relationship with Him is not based on performance, skill or consistency. God's love is based on His choice and for reason's we cannot understand. It is also clear that we judge others to be "wicked" for the wrong reasons.

If He is pleased with the "upright", how can we get "upright" apart from performance? That is the message of the Gospel. "You are saved (made upright) by grace through faith (trust) and that (faith) is not out of you, it is a gift of God, not of your effort, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Being "upright" is based in His grace and mercy. That is why Paul addressed the issue straight on when he said "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? No!" (Romans 6:1) God's love for me and his pleasure in me only motivates me to draw closer to Him, to love Him more, to do His will. Paul continues to the Ephesians: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which He ordained before hand that we should walk in them". (Ephesians 2:10). Yes, righteousness and uprightness works in our lives so that we (inwardly and outwardly) become more and more like Jesus.

That, however, is not the basis of God's pleasure, for "While we were yet sinners, Christ died to save us. " Romans 5:8.

"Thank you Jesus that your grace is free and your pleasure in us is founded in your own purposes. Thank you for giving us Your goodness and not what we deserve. Empower us to walk in all those works you ordained for us before hand, before we even turned to you. May we be Your Ambassadors, Your servants, and continue as ones who give You pleasure. Amen - so be it."

One last thought:

If the God of the universe does not see us as ones to be despised, how dare we see ourselves that way. There is certainly room for acknowledging sin and repenting. We should perceive our weaknesses and failures as reminders to 'run to the Lord'. Some of you see yourselves as ones who are 'barely saved' whom the Lord tolerates but has no pleasure in. That simply is not true. Such a view perpetuates the idea that it is your works or worthiness that makes or enables God to love you.

If He was given you grace to trust Him for salvation instead of your own good works, He has chosen you and rejoices over you. You are upright because of Christ's work, not your own and "He takes pleasure in the upright".

He loves you, and so do I.

Bob Goldsby

Posted January 25, 1997