How to Live a Life That Pleases God

From a message by Jon Alsdorf
Have you ever felt like pleasing God was an impossible puzzle to solve? Like you're trapped in some spiritual escape room, frantically searching for the right combination of actions and behaviors that will finally unlock God's approval? The good news is that following Jesus is nothing like an escape room. There are no puzzles to solve, no doors to unlock, and no mysteries to unravel because Jesus has already solved our sin problem.
What Does It Mean to Please God?
Paul's letter to the Colossians reveals that living a life pleasing to God isn't a guessing game. In Colossians 1:9-14, Paul prays specifically that believers would be "filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him."
This passage outlines exactly what a life pleasing to Christ looks like. It's not mysterious or complicated - God wants us to understand how to live in a way that brings Him joy.
Why Does God Want Us to Please Him?
Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to understand God's motivation. When God asks for certain qualities in our lives, He's not trying to get something from us - He's trying to give something to us. Just like loving parents want good things for their children, not from them, God desires these qualities in our lives because they benefit us.
When you have more peace, patience, or joy, God doesn't become more peaceful, patient, or joyful. He already possesses these qualities perfectly. Instead, you get to experience more peace, patience, and joy in your own life.
Four Qualities of a Life That Pleases Christ
1. Productive in Spiritual Fruit Bearing
Paul writes about "bearing fruit in every good work." This refers to the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
God takes fruit-bearing seriously. Jesus told parables about trees that don't bear fruit, emphasizing that fruitfulness is an expected outcome of spiritual life. The Holy Spirit actively works to produce this fruit in believers because when we display these qualities, we become more like Jesus.
Romans 7:4-5 explains that we've been connected to Christ "in order that we may bear fruit for God." Our lives should be productive, not in worldly achievements, but in spiritual character that reflects Christ's nature.
2. Growing in the Knowledge of God
The passage continues with "increasing in the knowledge of God." Are you growing in your understanding of who God is and what He's like?
In today's world, there's no excuse for not growing in God's knowledge. We have unprecedented access to biblical resources, teachings, and study materials. Yet many believers remain spiritually stagnant.
Why is this growth important? Second Peter 3:17-18 warns that without growing in knowledge of Christ, we become susceptible to deception. If you don't know truth, you can't distinguish it from lies. Ephesians 4:11-14 explains that spiritual maturity protects us from being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine."
Growing in God's knowledge isn't about impressing others with biblical facts - it's about becoming strong enough to stand firm in truth and avoid spiritual deception.
3. Training for Moral Strength and Endurance
Paul mentions "being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might." This speaks to developing spiritual strength and endurance for the long journey of faith.
Scripture consistently compares the Christian life to a marathon, not a sprint. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us." This requires training and preparation.
Just as military training involves more than classroom instruction, spiritual training requires practice. We need to exercise our faith, practice sharing our testimony, and engage in real spiritual disciplines. This is why community and small groups matter - they provide safe spaces to grow stronger in faith.
Life is long, and we need endurance to finish strong. This strength comes through consistent spiritual training and reliance on God's power.
4. Joyfully Full of Gratitude
Paul emphasizes "giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Gratitude appears to be one of God's favorite qualities in His children.
First Thessalonians 5:16-18 provides a clear picture of God's will: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Have you ever wondered about God's will for your life? Here it is in black and white: never stop rejoicing, never stop praying, never stop giving thanks. You can begin fulfilling God's will today with complete confidence.
God loves gratitude in His children for the same reason you love it in yours. Ingratitude breaks a parent's heart, while gratitude brings joy. When we're grateful, we acknowledge God's goodness and recognize His blessings in our lives.
The Foundation: Our Inheritance as Saints
Paul reminds us that God "has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." This is astounding - through salvation in Christ, we've been written into God's will as co-heirs with Christ alongside all the saints throughout history.
We don't live pleasing lives to earn salvation or heaven. We live pleasing lives because we're already saved and already have a home in heaven. We're God's children, both born into His family through spiritual rebirth and adopted through His grace.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Here's the crucial truth: it's impossible to live a life pleasing to God without the Holy Spirit. You simply don't have it in you to produce spiritual fruit, grow in godly knowledge, develop moral strength, or maintain joyful gratitude on your own.
When you give your life to Christ and are baptized, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit of Christ taking up residence within you, enabling you to overcome the flesh and walk in spiritual power.
Walking by the Spirit is the pathway to all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Without the Holy Spirit, you can read the Bible but won't gain much spiritual insight. You can try to love, but you'll be limited to human love rather than God's love flowing through you.
Life Application
This week, choose one of the four qualities of a Christ-pleasing life and focus on growing in that area. Whether it's bearing spiritual fruit, growing in God's knowledge, training for endurance, or practicing gratitude, remember that the Holy Spirit empowers this growth - you're not doing it alone.
Consider these questions as you apply this teaching:

• Which of the four qualities do I most need to develop in my life right now?
• How can I create space this week to grow in my knowledge of God?
• What specific spiritual fruit do I want the Holy Spirit to develop in me?
• How can I practice gratitude more consistently in my daily life?
• Am I trying to please God in my own strength, or am I relying on the Holy Spirit's power?

Remember, God isn't playing games with your spiritual life. He's not hiding the keys to pleasing Him. Instead, He's clearly shown you the path and provided His Spirit to empower your journey. The life that pleases God is ultimately the life that's best for you - filled with His fruit, knowledge, strength, and gratitude.