Pleasing God is not about living a perfect life. Only Jesus could do that. It’s more about wanting to. It’s how we live out our faith. God wants His people to live differently than the world. He wants us to stand out rather than blend in. Old Testament believers got into trouble by trying to be like all the nations around them.
God hates sin, but God loves sinners. God will judge the sin of an unbelieving world. Jesus came so that sinners could be in right relationship to God. Those who forsake sin and turn to God through faith in Jesus are saved from God’s judgment. But acknowledging our need for a Savior, and coming to Jesus in faith, is only the beginning of our relationship with Him.
We don’t do anything to earn salvation. It is a free gift for those who believe in what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Faith itself is a gift of God’s grace. We couldn’t come to Him at all without His enabling. The rest of life is about learning Jesus is Lord and submitting to Him. It’s learning about the sovereignty of God and trusting Him.
Believers still sin. We make mistakes, we fail to live up to the standard God has set. God is patient with us in our failings. He continues to nurture us and draw us along to the life He intends for us. It is a life-long process.
The purpose of a believer’s life is to become more like Christ. We learn to yield to His leading. As we grow in Him, we reflect more of His nature.
Those who know Christ enjoy a different quality of life from those who do not. Joy and contentment characterizes a believer’s life rather than dissatisfaction. Also, faith instead of worry become more apparent. God sees the future, we don’t. We can trust Him with the things we don’t understand. The world we live in is temporary. We seek to do what we can to make the world better, but live for the world to come.
The world we live in is becoming increasingly dark. The Bible acknowledges that will be the case. Jesus calls us to be salt and light to those around us. Salt preserves against corruption. It adds flavor. It melts snow. Light overcomes darkness and helps people find a way through it. Believers do those things by standing for righteousness, by bringing pleasantness and warmth to the situations they encounter, and by offering wisdom that runs counter to worldly ways. The world operates in a realm of power and greed. In contrast, believers are content with what they have, share with others, and try to help those who are disadvantaged.
We don’t earn our way into heaven. But those who know and love God will live for Him. In reality, the qualities that Christians bring into the world around them are not always welcome. After all, the world crucified Jesus. But we are called to persevere in our faith and reflect Jesus to those around us. This side of heaven, we will never live a perfect life. But, as we live faithfully for God, others will be drawn to His goodness. To God be the glory.
Do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Phil.2:14-15 NLT
You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:13-16 NLT
In what ways are you wanting to live a ‘perfect life’? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2026 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by bertvthul from Pixabay
I’m so thankful I have God’s help to do what He wants. And I’m even more thankful that He saved me and that I don’t have to be perfect.
Thank you, Joni. I’m so glad we don’t have to be perfect.