The nature of faith that is pleasing to God is the one that moves the person who possesses the faith into action with confidence in the promises of God. Faith that is beyond mere confession with one’s mouth that he believes in God but in living a life of commitment to the works of God. Equating verbal statement with pleasing faith is a mockery of the faith of those who gave their lives as sacrifice in obedience to the will of God without any knowledge of Jesus and the cross. (Heb.11:35-37) It is absolute true that without faith, it is impossible to please God. One must believe that God is real and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Heb.11:6) While it is good to believe that God is real, it is not sufficient because even demons believe that there is God. (James.2:19)

The Bible made us to understand that there is no profit for someone that says he has faith but does not have work. (James.2:14) Faith is made perfect by works. (James.2:22) Works of faith in this context is a life of commitment to the works of God. Let us consider few works of faith that is pleasing to God.

Faith that is pleasing to God is the one that leads one to do good deeds. According to John the Baptist and is also applicable now, good deed includes giving to the needy. i.e. One who has two tunics to give one to him who has none. One who has food to give to him who has none. Those in position of authority to be honest by not collecting more than what is appointed for them but be contented with their wages and those with power not to intimidate anyone. (Luke.3:11) True faith in God can be seen with benevolence action towards one’s fellow man.

Faith that motivates an individual to be patience and obedience to God is pleasing to God. Abraham by faith obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. He went out in obedience without knowing where he was going. (Heb.11:8) He was not only obedient but was also patient for he waited for the city which has no foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Heb.11:10) Faith that motivates one to be obedient to the word of God and to patiently wait for the will of God to be done without complaining is faith that is led by the Holy Spirit and it is pleasing to God.

Faith that motivates one to fear God is also pleasing to God. Noah who being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear and prepared an ark for the saving of his household. (Heb.11:7) He was motivated by godly fear of the consequence of sin to those who are disobedient to God’s warning as he was building the ark in which only eight souls were brought safely through the flood. (1 Peter.3:20) Faith that motivates fear of God is the one that imagines the consequence of sin, recognises the love of God and indulges in living a life that is pleasing to God. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom....” (Prov.9:10) Fear of God prepares one to live a life of someone who is ready to join and reign with Christ when He comes back.

Brethren, faith that is pleasing to God is not in the meritorious performance of religious ceremonies. It is faith that moves you into action with confidence in the promises of God and in obedience to His commandment. It is faith that is beyond mere confession with your mouth that you believe in God. Faith that is pleasing to God is the one that makes you live a life of commitment to God.

Shalom

Evangelism Tell everyone that Jesus died to save the whole world, not only the Christians. He is still waiting to save those that are yet to be come to Him.

Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre