The Importance of Living a Life Pleasing to God Today

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV)

May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be forever praised and exalted.

There is a common misconception that God’s pleasure toward a person begins only when they start active ministry—such as preaching, leading others to Christ, praying, or serving in some spiritual capacity. Many assume that God’s favor is contingent on visible works of service. But Scripture reveals a deeper reality.

Our Lord Jesus Himself invites us to learn from Him: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29, ESV). When exactly did God declare His pleasure in Jesus? The Gospel of Mark tells us: “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:11, ESV). Notice this declaration occurred at Jesus’ baptism—before His public ministry began, before miracles were performed, and before preaching commenced.

This truth reveals a foundational theological principle: God’s pleasure is first rooted in a life of obedience and holiness, not merely in visible works or achievements. Jesus, fully God and fully man (John 1:14), lived thirty years of humble obedience in Nazareth, faithfully fulfilling the Father’s will before the commencement of His redemptive mission.

Though the Gospels give scant details about these years, intentional divine silence invites us to seek the character and sanctity cultivated in this hidden period (Luke 2:52). Theologically, this period of preparation demonstrates kenosis—Christ’s self-emptying (Philippians 2:6-8)—where He submitted fully to the Father’s plan and timing.

To understand Jesus’ life, we must consider His genealogy (Matthew 1:1–17). Far from a mere list of names, this lineage reveals God’s providential work through history, fulfilling covenant promises and Messianic prophecy. From Abraham—the father of faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4)—to David, the king after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), each ancestor points to the nature and mission of Jesus.

For example, Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac (Genesis 22) prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). King David’s life of trial and worship foreshadows Christ’s suffering and ultimate kingship. David’s psalms, especially Psalm 22, find direct fulfillment in Jesus’ passion (Matthew 27:46).

Jesus’ life before ministry—marked by simplicity, obedience, and holiness—exemplifies righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Though He “had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2, ESV), He was “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26).

God’s declaration at Jesus’ baptism (“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased”) confirms the Father’s delight in His perfect obedience, reflecting the heart of true worship and the essence of righteousness.

This teaches us that pleasing God is not primarily about ministry titles or visible achievements, but about a consistent life of faith, holiness, and submission to God’s will (Romans 12:1–2).

Do we love God “with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind” (Matthew 22:37, ESV) as Jesus did? If so, God is pleased with us even before we visibly serve Him. He desires that our daily lives reflect His holiness, whether in public ministry or private devotion.

Now is the time to decide to live fully for God, doing His will in every circumstance—whether we face rejection or acceptance, blessing or hardship (James 1:2-4).

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17, ESV).

May God empower and bless us all as we seek to live lives that are truly pleasing to Him.

Bible References: English

The Importance of Living a Life Pleasing to God Today

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV)

May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be forever praised and exalted.

There is a common misconception that God’s pleasure toward a person begins only when they start active ministry—such as preaching, leading others to Christ, praying, or serving in some spiritual capacity. Many assume that God’s favor is contingent on visible works of service. But Scripture reveals a deeper reality.

Our Lord Jesus Himself invites us to learn from Him: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29, ESV). When exactly did God declare His pleasure in Jesus? The Gospel of Mark tells us: “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:11, ESV). Notice this declaration occurred at Jesus’ baptism—before His public ministry began, before miracles were performed, and before preaching commenced.

This truth reveals a foundational theological principle: God’s pleasure is first rooted in a life of obedience and holiness, not merely in visible works or achievements. Jesus, fully God and fully man (John 1:14), lived thirty years of humble obedience in Nazareth, faithfully fulfilling the Father’s will before the commencement of His redemptive mission.

Though the Gospels give scant details about these years, intentional divine silence invites us to seek the character and sanctity cultivated in this hidden period (Luke 2:52). Theologically, this period of preparation demonstrates kenosis—Christ’s self-emptying (Philippians 2:6-8)—where He submitted fully to the Father’s plan and timing.

To understand Jesus’ life, we must consider His genealogy (Matthew 1:1–17). Far from a mere list of names, this lineage reveals God’s providential work through history, fulfilling covenant promises and Messianic prophecy. From Abraham—the father of faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4)—to David, the king after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), each ancestor points to the nature and mission of Jesus.

For example, Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac (Genesis 22) prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). King David’s life of trial and worship foreshadows Christ’s suffering and ultimate kingship. David’s psalms, especially Psalm 22, find direct fulfillment in Jesus’ passion (Matthew 27:46).

Jesus’ life before ministry—marked by simplicity, obedience, and holiness—exemplifies righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Though He “had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2, ESV), He was “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26).

God’s declaration at Jesus’ baptism (“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased”) confirms the Father’s delight in His perfect obedience, reflecting the heart of true worship and the essence of righteousness.

This teaches us that pleasing God is not primarily about ministry titles or visible achievements, but about a consistent life of faith, holiness, and submission to God’s will (Romans 12:1–2).

Do we love God “with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind” (Matthew 22:37, ESV) as Jesus did? If so, God is pleased with us even before we visibly serve Him. He desires that our daily lives reflect His holiness, whether in public ministry or private devotion.

Now is the time to decide to live fully for God, doing His will in every circumstance—whether we face rejection or acceptance, blessing or hardship (James 1:2-4).

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17, ESV).

May God empower and bless us all as we seek to live lives that are truly pleasing to Him.

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