The Key To Pleasing God

What does it take to please God?  Many might answer this question with "following religious rituals or rules and regulations."  Some might even say "doing good deeds."  But in reality, none of these please God.  It's not that they are inherently evil or bad, it's just that these things aren't what it takes to live a life that is pleasing to God.  The only way to please God is by faith!  Hebrews 11:6 tells us "But without faith, it is impossible to please Him..." This post will cover four aspects of what faith is not and then what faith really is.

What is Real Faith?

• Real faith is not just something you say.  (James 2:14-17)  Faith is more than "talking a good talk."  A person of faith is one who lives and walks the talk!  Just because someone has Christian bumper sticker on their car it doesn't mean they are a Christian.  Faith is more than just something we say, it has to be something we live.
• Real faith is not just something you feel.  Many people confuse emotions and feeling with faith.  They are moved during a spiritual experience at church or outside of church to the point they may cry and feel the presence of God in their lives.  But our faith in God is more than just a feeling.  Real faith will operate and move beyond the feelings we have.  Feelings come and go, but real faith is eternal!
• Real faith is not just something you think. (James 2:18)  Some people think of faith as a philosophical quest as something to be discussed, debated and argued.  But faith isn't something you debate, it is something you do!  When a person really has Christ in their life, you can see it.
• Real faith is not just something you believe. (James 2:19)  It's perfectly fine to have a strong belief about Christ, God, and the Bible.  But that's not enough!  Even the demons believe and tremble!  Faith is more than just an intellectual assent.  It is a matter of the heart.  It is a matter of a relationship with Christ.  Real faith is not just something you believe, it is something you live out in relationship.
• Real faith is something you do! (James 2:20)  This is the key to faith!  You see, good works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of salvation.  They don't make you a Christian, they show that you are a Christian.  They don't deliver salvation, they demonstrate salvation.  Real faith is what you do!

Two Important Facts

• The basis for your salvation is God's grace.  You can't earn it, you don't deserve it.  It is given by God to humanity.  Our role is to simply accept what Christ did.  And as a result the basis of our salvation is God's grace.
• The proof of your salvation is your fruit. We are all to bear fruit if we are truly a believer.  And this is a good and godly fruit.  It is a spiritual fruit that is manifested in how we treat others.  It is the fruit of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance, and faith!

Is your faith more than just what you say, feel, think, and believe?  Is it what you do?  And if it is, are you manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in your life so others can see and believe and glorify your Father which is in heaven?  If not make the changes today to let others see your faith!