How to Live a Life Pleasing to God

I was on a trip with Pastor Ilya one time when he shared something that really stuck with me. He said, “Instead of asking what you need to do to achieve a vision, ask, ‘Who do I need to become to fulfill it?'” The shift from achieving goals to becoming someone different can be a life-changing concept for those of us who apply it.

I believe that many goals we set in life often fail because we focus far more on what we must do instead of who we would like to become.

How to be Successful

1. Shift from “doing” goals to “being” goals.

The goals we often chase are external and temporary, but God calls us to something deeper. Instead of setting goals based on what you want to do, shift your focus to who you want to become. When we look at Scripture, we see that this principle remains true. It focuses on character over accomplishments. In fact, Jesus gave us the “Beatitudes” which call us to be, not just to do.

Your calling will only go as far as your character can carry it. That’s why your goals should always start with who you are becoming in Christ. Instead of “I want to lose 50 pounds…” Say, “I want to be a healthy person who honors God with my body.” Healthy people lose weight, but people who focus only on weight often use shortcuts that backfire.

Be someone who’s faithful in small things, available for His work, and obedient in every season.

2. Set your aim to please God.

Next, I encourage you to ask yourself, “Who do I want to be at the end of my life?” More often than not, I think we can all say that our life goal as believers is to please God, not to be rich and famous. That aim changes everything.

In Scripture, we see that Jesus pleased the Father before performing any miracles. Enoch pleased God and walked so closely with Him that God took him. This pursuit isn’t legalism. It should become our holy obsession. In order to do so, next time you’re faced with a hard decision, don’t just ask yourself, “Is this okay?” Instead ask, “Does this please God?”

3. Choose to walk with God daily.

Next, it’s important to understand that we can’t please God from a distance. You need daily closeness to Him. Invest your time in His Word. Pray. Choose to worship on your own. For some, that can look like being in a quiet room; for others, a long drive or a hike. However you connect with Him, take the time to do it. Make space for His voice.

When you draw near, you’re transformed because it becomes less of you and more of Him. It’s from that place that you can begin to live a life that pleases God.

4. Aim higher than just “okay.”

Lastly, don’t settle for just doing the bare minimum. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:9, “We make it our aim…to be well-pleasing to Him.” Notice it doesn’t say tolerated or just saved. It says well-pleasing.

The Bible says in Proverbs 16:7 that He even makes their enemies be at peace with those who please Him. When Esther pleased the king, he extended favor. In other words, when you aim to please the King, He opens doors.

Make pleasing Him be the aim of your life. You won’t regret it.

Read: How to Discover Your Calling