Fully Pleasing

Near the start of the epistle to Colosse, Paul wrote concerning his thankfulness for their obedience to the gospel and his prayers for their continued spiritual growth. His desire for the Colossians was that they manifested lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (Col. 1:10). This speaks of the ongoing development which all Christians need to undergo, complying in every way with the Lord’s teaching and His plan for us.

It is not God’s design for one to obey the gospel and then plateau, ceasing the spiritual maturation process at the very point of its emergence. To think that we could stop growing and yet maintain our level of faith is foolishness (Heb. 5:12-13). Christians who neglect supplementing their faith are described in the Bible as unfruitful, shortsighted, and forgetful (2 Pet. 1:5-9). As one preacher said, “if you aren’t growing, you’re slowing.” It is required that men and women of God mature, but what can a Christian do to become and remain fully pleasing?

To be fully pleasing, we need instruction. Paul prayed that the Colossians “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9). Beyond learning the gospel plan of salvation, followers of God must continue their spiritual education. We need to gain more understanding and we need reminders of the things we have been taught (2 Pet. 1:13; 3:1). How can we abide in His doctrine if we do not continue to learn it? Christians that fully please Him, abide in the Word of Truth (Acts 2:42; 2 John 1:9).

To be fully pleasing, we need activity. Paul also asked that they “may walk worthy of the Lord… being fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10). Faith in action is conduct which pleases God (Jam. 2:14-24). After all, Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). His followers must also be full of righteous works (Tit. 2:14; 3:8). Walking as children of light pleases our God (Rom. 13:12-14; Eph. 5:8-10).

To be fully pleasing, we need equipment. Paul stated his desire that they would be “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Col. 1:11). God has provided all that we need for successful spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 10:3-6; 2 Pet. 1:3). The only way to properly oppose Satan is drawing near to God and the word of scripture (Mt. 4:4; Jam. 4:7-8). These battles strengthen our faith (Jam. 1:2-3; 1 Pet. 1:7). We’ll please Him, using the power He has given to us (Eph. 6:10-11).

To be fully pleasing, we need gratitude. Finally, Paul prayed that the Colossian brethren would be “giving thanks to the Father…” (Col. 1:12). We have many blessings for which to be thankful (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:15). And our thankfulness motivates greater service (Col. 2:7; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Heb. 13:15). May we apply ourselves to the work of the kingdom and be fully pleasing to our God.