How often do we waste our time trying to earn God’s favor? We might understand in our head that God’s love isn’t affected by our actions, but we still try to rationalize our works-based ideas. Here’s a reality check: God loves us regardless of how much we screw up. But that doesn’t mean we should go out and continue to make bad decisions. I’m always reminded of what Paul wrote.
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we
too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:1-4)
We are walking in newness of life, having been baptized into Christ. Maybe that’s never sunken in for you. Your old self is dead and you may now walk in grace. This naturally leads us to wanting to please God. There’s no shortage of answers on how to “please God.” Some will say God is pleased when you have strict obedience. Some claim God is only happy when you are expressing your faith. And some will go so far as to say God is only happy when you are successful (a dangerous claim in its own).
Guess what? God doesn’t need us to be happy! God existed in harmonious union, experiencing perfect fellowship, before creation. While it’s true that we may cause God to grieve (Ephesians 4:30), God’s happiness is not dependent on us. Instead of asking how you can please God, a more appropriate question would be “How can I glorify God?” All of creation ultimately exists for God’s glory. And God is most glorified when we are satisfied in Him. This can definitely be challenging, but remember “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Ultimately our satisfaction in Him is a testimony to the world.
Apologetics & Theology for the Rest of Us 