PRETTY PLEASE

“No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer.” 2 Timothy 2:4

Please. How often do you hear that word? “Just one more cookie? PLEASE!!!” “Somebody, anybody, answer the phone, please!” “Would you please clean your room and make your bed?” And even the occasional comment (or look) simply saying, “Oh, please!” (Pronounced – Oh Pu-leeze!) “Please” is often considered one of the two magic words. “Thank you” being the other.

But Please and Thank You aren’t just for little kids learning to be good. They are for us big kids learning to be like God! We should live our lives as a “Thank You!” – a “Thank You” that will please our Father. Instead of simply saying “please” to God, we should be living to please God. Each day we should desire to delight our Father.

How do you feel when someone intentionally does something that pleases you? Something that just makes your day? I know it certainly makes me feel special and cherished – loved and desired. Shouldn’t we want to make God’s day? I think we really do, but perhaps we’re not sure just how we can. Paul reminds Timothy the reason a soldier doesn’t spend the hours of his days involved in non-military activities is because he desires to delight his commanding officer. Implied is the understanding that obedience to the commands and instructions that have been given are what will please the commanding officer.

So what commands and instructions can we obey that will please and delight the One in charge of us? What can we do to make God’s day? As if God knew we would be asking, He used another letter Paul wrote to give us a definite answer! In Colossians 1:9-12 Paul says he constantly prays for his friends to know God’s will so they can live worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way. And then Paul lists four things that please God: 1 – Growing in the knowledge of God. 2 – Bearing fruit in every good work. 3 – Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.
4 – Joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in His kingdom of light.

Wow! We don’t have to wonder what might please God. It really is in black and white! 1 - Get to know Him better. 2 - Show Him off in what you do. 3 - Let His power give you patience. 4 – Tell Him thank you – a lot!

Desire to delight the One who desires and delights in you.

Know Him more. Show Him off. Be strong and go long. Say thanks.

You will make God’s day, and your life will be a “pretty please”!


Time For A Little R&R

RECOGNIZE
Whom do you spend most of your time and energy trying to please?

RESPOND
How can you please God in each of the four ways listed today?