Living to Please God
"Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." - Romans 8:8-9
Have you ever found yourself going through the motions of faith but feeling disconnected from its true power and purpose? Paul’s message in Romans 8:8-9 reminds us that being Spirit-led changes what motivates us. When we live according to our flesh or trauma patterns, we cannot please God. But when the Spirit of God dwells within us and we allow Him to lead, our lives take on a new dimension of purpose and fulfillment.
Paul was writing to Christians who, despite their outward professions of faith, lived like the world. They participated in church activities but didn't let the light and love of Jesus reign in their lives. They were Christians in name but fleshly in nature, displaying bad attitudes and mistreating one another, which turned people away from God. They were disconnected from the Spirit's power and guidance.
When we let Jesus take the wheel, our primary motivation becomes pleasing God. This transformation changes how we respond to life's challenges. Moments that once upset us are now met with measured resolve. Instead of reacting with anger or hurtful words, we express ourselves in ways that honor God and build up others. This shift happens because the Spirit empowers us to live in a way that pleases God.
Pleasing God should be our ultimate motivation. We turn the other cheek, pray for those who hurt us, and return evil with good because we want to please God. Every born-again believer has the capacity to live a life that is pleasing to God. The question is, will you?
Have you ever found yourself going through the motions of faith but feeling disconnected from its true power and purpose? Paul’s message in Romans 8:8-9 reminds us that being Spirit-led changes what motivates us. When we live according to our flesh or trauma patterns, we cannot please God. But when the Spirit of God dwells within us and we allow Him to lead, our lives take on a new dimension of purpose and fulfillment.
Paul was writing to Christians who, despite their outward professions of faith, lived like the world. They participated in church activities but didn't let the light and love of Jesus reign in their lives. They were Christians in name but fleshly in nature, displaying bad attitudes and mistreating one another, which turned people away from God. They were disconnected from the Spirit's power and guidance.
When we let Jesus take the wheel, our primary motivation becomes pleasing God. This transformation changes how we respond to life's challenges. Moments that once upset us are now met with measured resolve. Instead of reacting with anger or hurtful words, we express ourselves in ways that honor God and build up others. This shift happens because the Spirit empowers us to live in a way that pleases God.
Pleasing God should be our ultimate motivation. We turn the other cheek, pray for those who hurt us, and return evil with good because we want to please God. Every born-again believer has the capacity to live a life that is pleasing to God. The question is, will you?
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