To be pleasing to God . . .
Jesus never intended Christian ministry to depend on a person’s natural abilities. Scripture is clear that He has equipped His followers by the anointing of the Holy Spirit to minister with supernatural power.
Sadly, a lot of churches in our day lack any hint of supernatural power, and seem more focused on keeping people happy and making them feel good about themselves. There’s nothing wrong with being happy and feeling good about yourself, but there’s more to the Christian life than self-satisfaction.
Years ago I knew a man who was doing something wrong, and he knew it but didn’t want to change the way he was living. Another person approached me and said “I know it’s not right, but don’t you think God wants him to be happy?” My reply was pretty simple: “Yes God wants him to be happy. The question is: do you get your happiness from things that don’t please God?” I never got an answer.
I often remember that and challenge myself with “is what I want to do something that would please God?” I don’t live my life in fear of God’s judgement, but I do want to live my life in such a way that my motivation is to please my God. I already have His favour, but I want Him to delight in my life: in my choices, my behaviour, my attitudes, my relationships.
Pastor Peter Sutcliffe in his ministry to our church has been speaking frequently on the importance of character. I agree whole heartedly with his message. If we are seeking to carry the supernatural power of God—that same power that Jesus promised we would have—we should live our lives in a way that brings honour to God. Scripture calls it being a “clean vessel”.
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter (vessels of dishonour – vs 20) he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
I’ll use this analogy further. Trying to live a Christian life without character is like trying to carry precious liquid in a vessel that is cracked, chipped and broken. It may get you part of the way, but sooner or later you will lose what you had.
Our motives are important, and speak to the depth of our character before God. I want to be a vessel that can carry the supernatural presence of God without drip, spill or waste!
