Throughout the Bible, there are numerous principles of Christian living. One of the most profound is the call for mankind to please God. From Genesis—where God commands man not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16)—to Revelation, where we are urged to “take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3), the necessity of pleasing God is evident. This truth is further reinforced by the many instances in Scripture where God condemns evil and punishes the wicked. Two striking examples are the destruction of the earth by the flood in Noah’s time (Genesis 7:11–12) and the fiery judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24).
In keeping with the tradition of annual themes, The Church of Pentecost (COP) has, by the grace of God and through its leadership, adopted the 2025 theme: “Unleashed to Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling.” This theme serves as a reminder—not only to members of COP but to people worldwide—that we must strive to please God in all we do. The Apostle Paul expressed this desire clearly: “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (2 Corinthians 5:9).
THE GRACE TO PLEASE GOD
We must recognise that our ability to please God does not come from our own strength but from His grace. In Titus 2:11–12, the Apostle Paul states: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” This emphasises that a child of God cannot please Him by mere willpower—it requires the sustaining and enabling grace of God. Therefore, we must daily immerse ourselves in this grace through prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures.
A STRONG RESOLVE TO PLEASE GOD
Pleasing God also requires a firm determination. Daniel, though exiled in a foreign land, was tempted to compromise his faith through the culture and food of Babylon. However, “Daniel resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). This decision was not easy, but by trusting in God’s grace, he stood firm. Likewise, we must resolve today to stand for God, no matter the cost.
PUTTING TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE FLESH
Moreover, we must actively combat what I call the “products of our earthly nature.” Colossians 3:5 instructs: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” It is important to note that this message was directed not at unbelievers, but at Christians—indicating that even after salvation, believers can still struggle with sin. However, the responsibility to “put to death” these sinful tendencies is ours. Through watchfulness, fasting, and consistent prayer, we can overcome them.
LIVING A LIFE WORTHY OF OUR CALLING
God calls us to live in a manner befitting our transformation from darkness into His marvelous light (Ephesians 4:1). Titus 2:12 further emphasises that we must be self-controlled, upright, and godly in this present age. Our actions and choices must align with the life of holiness that God expects from us.
As we journey through life, let us remember that we are mere strangers and sojourners on this earth, preparing for the glorious return of our Lord. Resolving to please God in all we do will ultimately help us secure a place in His eternal kingdom.
A CALL TO SALVATION
If you have not yet given your life to Christ, I encourage you to do so today. Repent of your sins and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. This is the first step to pleasing God. If you are ready, pray this simple prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again for my salvation. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Help me to live a life that pleases You. Amen.”
May the grace of God abound in us all.
Written by Isaac Nana Opoku (Probationary Overseer)
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