Pleasing God—Intentional or Optional?

Lord, give me patience, I prayed silently. She is so irritating. I don’t think I can stand it.
 
Driving to an event with another couple, I sat in the backseat with my companion, trapped and forced to listen to her non-stop monologue. She repeatedly jabbed her finger toward me, reinforcing her outrageous assertions. Apart from one brief challenge, I remained silent.
 
Staggering out of the car at our destination, I moaned, God, I can’t face this again on the way home. I don’t like what she’s saying or how dogmatic she is. But I know You love her. Help me to love her, too.
 
Much as I want to please God, it can be a challenge to do what Jesus commands. Especially loving people I’d rather avoid. How about you?
 
Obedience to Jesus—doing what He asks of us even when we’re irritated, frustrated, and ready to blow is foundational to a life that reflects His indwelling. It’s something we can’t do in our own strength--but we can do it in His. Difficult as it was, Jesus did what pleased His Father (John 17) and that’s what He asks of us. Here are three reasons why:
 

1. Obedience proves we love Him (John 14:23). Words are easy to say but the genuineness of our claim is demonstrated by action. When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he specifically complimented them on their obedience to God (Philippians 2:12).  Why were they obedient? Not for appearance sake, but because it was their heart’s desire. They longed to please God first, to do what honored Him.

Question: Has God shown you some action or attitude that needs changing? How will you respond?
 

2. Obedience proves we trust Him (Joshua 1:1-2).  Doing what God says can be tough. When Joshua was told to get the Israelites ready to cross the river Jordan, the proof of trust was their obedience. When God asks you to do something difficult—to restore a broken friendship, to forgive a father or husband for betraying you, to wish the best for someone who got the promotion you wanted—your obedience proves you trust God.

Question: Do you listen to your feelings that scream, “I can’t do this”? (As I did!) Or will you say, like Joshua, “God, I know you love me and mean this for my best. I trust you and will do what You ask.”
 

3. Obedience proves He is Lord. We live in a world that says, “Don’t let anyone tell you what to do,” but as Christians we’re called to yield our wills to God, even when it’s costly. Doing this demonstrates who is actually in charge of our lives.

Question: In what way does your life show you are yielded to Jesus?
 
(This article is adapted from I’m Too Human to Be Like Jesus: Spiritual Growth for the Not-So-Perfect Woman, by Poppy Smith.)