Reading: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work.”— Colossians 1:10

Yesterday we learned that there is only one way to walk worthy of the Lord and that is to walk in God’s ways. In other words, the path of obedience is the only path that pleases Christ. Some are men pleasers, others are self-pleasers, but we are called to be God pleasers. And so that we might walk worthily “unto all pleasing,” there are certain things we must consciously do.

First, we must avoid everything that is grievous to God. The best way to avoid that which offends God is to cultivate in your mind a sense of His presence. Notice how being in the company of your friends largely restrains your actions and words. How much more then in the constant company of our heavenly Friend. If the knowledge of human onlookers restrains you from acts of sin, how much more should respect for the holy One? Recall what governed Joseph when tempted by immorality: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

Second, we must be wholehearted in our devotedness to God. We cannot pick and choose among His commandments. The whole Christian life should be studying to show ourselves approved unto God. Our understanding should be engaged in understanding His will. Our conscience must be swayed by His authority. Our affections must be drawn out after Him. Our will must be wholly surrendered to Him.

Third, we must keep our hearts. If we are to walk worthily of the Lord “unto all pleasing,” we must frequently search and try our ways. We must take our spiritual pulse and ascertain whether all is well within. We must constantly examine our motives and challenge our aims and intentions, for they count most with God.

“The Christian walk is not so much characterized by perfection, as it is by direction.”—Author unknown