Pleasing God

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 NIV (Emphasis mine)

“There is no reward from God to those who seek it from men.” Charles Spurgeon

Our first action as new Christians is to love God. Without Him, “We can do nothing.” We might make a little progress in overcoming a bad habit, committing to raising our families or a whole host of things we make a priority. But the joy? The true healing? The intimacy?  Motivation? Desire? Lessons? We will miss out and slog through obligations and duties. They will become tedious, boring and unfulfilling. No true relationship. Imagine being in a relationship, whether spouse, child or friend, and we do our duty but nothing more.

And we don’t and can’t please Him without his help. Our whole being is made to love and worship the Father first and we even need His help with this.  The monk, Brother Lawrence, shared how doing dishes in the monastery was a loving and worshipful thing. Jesus washed the disciple’s dirty feet even though He was the Creator of everything. I may not feel good about it but I know when I’m cleaning the bathroom, I’m doing it for the Father— “Doing my work heartily as unto the Lord.”

That pleases the Father. As I’m down on my knees cleaning around the commode, I thank the Father for a bathroom with running water. I thank him for all the delightful bubble baths my grandchildren had. The soft and well-worn towels embraced my grandchildren. The rescued muddy pets pouting in the tub make me smile (peanut butter helped). This bathroom is the Father’s. It’s on loan. I hang on lightly.

Musings

Richard Rohr said, “Some days even a grasshopper can convert me.” This happens because our Father rewards those who earnestly seek him. Even doing the mundane like paying the bills or doing laundry is a faith that pleases our Father. And it happens every day. Some call it serendipity but it’s a joyous reward from the Father.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for your Son who demonstrated over and over how the daily chores can be another way our faith in you is expressed. We are caring for your gracious gifts here with thanks. Help us to hold lightly the things on Earth while envisioning your Paradise.

Thank you for rewarding us. We earnestly seek you today.

Amen.