What Does a Life That Actually Pleases God Look Like?
Living a life that is pleasing to God can feel overwhelming if we lean on our own strength. But as we spend time with God and the Spirit brings about fruit in our lives, we are enabled to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
This past Sunday, millions of Christians around the world celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Living in Honduras, I’ve noticed something interesting. Here, there seems to be a much bigger focus on Jesus’ death and suffering than on His resurrection. Our church had a packed Good Friday service, and I heard several people inviting others with the reasoning, “He paid the price for us. The least we can do is attend church on Friday for Him.”
Honestly, I’m not entirely against that way of thinking, even if it can feel a little manipulative at times. Jesus did pay the ultimate price for me. He endured pain, humiliation, and death to pay the debt for my sins. The very least I can do is give Him my life in return.
But here’s the thing. My relationship with Jesus is not something driven by guilt or obligation. Our relationship with God is not simply a tribute to a historical event. It is a relationship with a Savior who is alive and present in our lives. The story did not end at the cross. Jesus rose again.
The resurrection changes everything. It reminds us that our faith is not centered on a dead Savior, but on a living one. We do not serve Him only because He died for us. We serve Him because He is alive, because He has conquered sin and death, and because He has given us new life in Him.
Walking Worthy of Christ
So, what does it actually look like to live a life that pleases God? How can we walk in a way that honors Him? In Colossians 1, Paul prays that believers would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him. How amazing! It shows me that even with all my inadequacies and limitations, God can still work through me to live a life pleasing to Him.
Paul goes on to give us some ways this is possible. Here are a few that have really stuck with me.
Increase in the Knowledge of God
A.W. Tozer famously said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us,” and I couldn’t agree more. If I want to live a life that pleases Him, it is crucial that I know Him. J.L. Packer also said, “Once you become aware that the main business you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place.”
Be Strengthened with His Power
Every single day reminds me that I am completely dependent on the Lord. The strength to live for Him, to endure challenges, and to make choices that honor Him does not come from me. It comes from Him.
Walking in Good Works
A life that pleases God is visible in action. Paul encourages believers to bear fruit in every good work. This is not about earning His favor. It is the natural overflow of a life transformed by Christ.
Thankfulness and Prayer
Finally, a life that pleases God is a life in constant communion with Him. Praying without ceasing and giving thanks in all circumstances shapes our perspective and reminds us that our lives belong to the One who gave everything for us. Gratitude turns ordinary moments into worship, and prayer keeps our hearts aligned with His.
A Pleasing Life
The cross shows us God’s love. The resurrection shows us His power. When we combine knowing God, relying on His strength, choosing patience and joy, walking in good works, and cultivating a heart of prayerful gratitude, we begin to live in a way that truly pleases Him.
This post-Easter season, let us remember that serving Christ is not about doing the bare minimum. It is about responding to a living Savior with hearts fully surrendered. He is alive, and because of that, we can live transformed lives. That is the best reason to celebrate.
