PLEASING GOD

Heb. 13:15-16 With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.

We cannot bring glory to God without Jesus. We need our Lord's righteousness and holiness in order for us to want to honor God rather than ourselves. We need Jesus in order for us to be able to praise God in all things. We need Jesus in order for us to look beyond our present circumstances and know that God is good. We need Jesus to move us into action.

What we have can be any number of things, but the greatest gift that you can give is yourself. We tend to measure our giving by material things, but they pale in comparison to ourselves. Your time, loving concern, prayerful support, listening ear, and helping hand are far more valuable than anything money can do or buy.

Notice that praise is connected here with sacrifice. A sacrifice is something you give that costs you something; it often brings pain or discomfort. We are to go out of our way without thought of personal comfort to tell or show others the glory of Christ. He who acts only within the boundaries of comfort is not offering to the Lord any sacrifice at all, and will not please God.

When you invest yourself in others, you are pleasing God. Take the time today to give someone your time and attention. You will be glad you did.