Pleasing God
As I was reading from Colossians, recently, I ran across two words that jumped off the page and into my heart. I was actually using our Search God’s Word online Greek/English Bible and the Greek words used convicted me. The three words are areskia — “pleasing” (Colossians 1:10 NRS), eudokeow — “good pleasure” (Colossians 1:19 NRS) and hikanoow — “to qualify someone” (Colossians 1:12 NAS).
I remember old souls praying in times of worship many years ago asking that God would find our “worship pleasing in His sight.” Now, however, I hear so much more about whether or not worship pleases the worshipers — “I’m not sure I got a lot out of that?”
This latter point of view assumes that we are quaified — qualified not only to worship, but also to render an opinion on the “pleasing” worth of the experience. It’s almost like we’ve shared the fruit that Eve and Adam ate in the garden rather than body and blood of the Lord’s Supper. Instead of remembering the grace given us by Jesus at such a high cost, we assume we have the knowledge that makes us little gods that know all and that need to be pleased. If we aren’t pleased, in our opinion, worship isn’t a blessing … to us, to others, or to God. Rather than recognizing the amazing grace of being invited into the presence of God, we assume that we deserve to be in this moment of Holy Presence.
For me, it is incredibly convicting and sad that the first thoughts of many — oftentimes my first thoughts as well — are not, “How blessed I am to be with these people, in this moment, accepted and loved by our incredible God!” Instead, we often resort to the thinly veiled criticism, “I’m not sure I got very much out of that today.”
What difference would it make for us to approach our worship times as an awesome gift, an invitation into the presence of God, with people redeemed by the blood of Christ?
How do we more deeply appreciate being “qualified” to be a part of God’s family and being found as “pleasing” to God?
On the opposite extreme, how do we hear God’s words of acceptance and grace and not the doubts and self-criticism that the evil one would love to have us hear?
Good morning, Phil–
Re: your essay on how God uses “little” people to be mighty players in His drama of life. I think it is a factor and His comment on the “upsidednowness” of this world. Great illustration that the heart is all that matters, outward trappings not worth a hoot.
A thought on how “pleased” we are with the assembly’s worship: when we meet the Son of God, His sacrifice, His meekness, His willingness to forgive, it has always amazed me that folks don’t break the doors down to get to the One who said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…” It’s the best offer this world will ever know.
May God continue to bless you as you serve Him so faithfully.
Love in Jesus,
Aline Edson, Westover Hills, circa 1997
Aline Edson
9 Jun 08 at 6:29 am
Good thoughts on pleasing God. Especially applicable as we consider worship wars. Yes, I worship more freely and from the heart with styles that I am familiar and comfortable with, however when I deem worship as inappropriate because it’s not my style, I have set myself up as a god. The worship goes to the King of kings, not to me.
Blessings,
Karen
Karen Cone
11 Jun 08 at 9:00 am