PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD UNTO " . . . unto . . . " This is the objective of the walk – of the godly life. It is the direction toward which worthiness is pointed, and the purpose that is to be achieved by it. A godly life is not an end of itself, but is necessary for the realization of an even higher purpose. ALL PLEASING " . . . all pleasing . . . " No one is "worthy of the Lord" who is not pleasing to Him! Nor, indeed, does God ever represent Himself as bestowing benefits upon, or reserving eternal rewards for, those who are NOT pleasing to Him. Further, our text does not say "unto pleasing," leaving the matter open to human interpretations. The Spirit says "ALL pleasing," or pleasing in all things, and in every way. No part of our living can be lived independently of faith, or outside of the role of the sons of God. AN OBSERVATION We are living in spiritually superficial times. In the present religious climate, the EXPRESSION of a desire to please the Lord is equated with actually pleasing Him. Even though such a desire is noble, if the pleasing life is not lived, the desire counts for nothing. It is far easier to say one wants to please the Lord, than to actually set out to do so. NOT IN TALK The kingdom of God is not in talk, but in power. As it is written, "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power" (1 Cor 4:20). Other versions read, "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power" (NASB), and "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power" (NIV). -- Tomorrow:
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:9-11, KJV)
Devotion 18 of 32
" . . . unto all pleasing . . . "
Other versions read "fully pleasing" (NKJV), "to please Him in all respects" (NASB), "please Him in every way" (NIV), "unto all well-pleasing" (DARBY), and "always honor and please the Lord. (NLT).
This is a life that abandons all opinions of men as a foundation, and rejects the "carnal mind," refusing to allow it to dominate the affection and will.
If I read this text with the nominal church in mind, it will appear to be speaking of an advanced stage of spirituality – one that is attained by very few. However, keep in mind the ones for whom this prayer is made. It is not for the leaders of the Colossian assembly. It is for all of them – male and female, young and old, servants and masters! This is, in fact, the STANDARD of conduct for the child of God. Those who live in any other way are in imminent danger!
The state of "all pleasing" is described in these words: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col 3:17). And again, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Col 3:23). And again, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).
This is not speaking of a desire alone, but of a life that is being lived out for the glory of God – a life that is a thank offering to the Lord. Such a life cannot be lived independently of Divine involvement. The Lord is the One who "fills" us with "all wisdom and spiritual understanding," which are essential to living a life that pleases Him.
This prayer is a plea for the power to be given to God's people. It is intended to bring the people of God into a life with which the Lord is well pleased. Each believer must be serious enough about their relationship to God to examine their life with a critical eye. If they are honest, they will find a need for the power revealed in this prayer.
In the meantime, let us have done with imagining that people who lack the wisdom and spiritual understanding of this text can "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing." If such a thing was possible, there would be no need for a prayer like this one.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant a revival of a love of the truth among those who profess Your name.