So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Romans 8:8,9
An Albanian nun whose birth name was Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu in 1948 left her work as a teacher in a Catholic school in Calcutta and began working to help the destitute people she saw in that large city. She devoted the rest of her life to helping the poor and establishing an organization known as Missionaries of Charity. Known as Sister Theresa, and sometimes Mother Theresa, this woman was a wonderful help to many, and is revered by much of the world. No record exists, however, of Mother Theresa trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour. In fact, she appeared willing, toward the end of her life, to present her great humanitarian efforts to God as her provision for Heaven. If good works could save, this woman would undoubtedly make it. But good works don’t save. We don’t know if Mother Theresa was ever saved. If she died trusting her religion and her good works, she’s not in Heaven. Neither is anyone who is still in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Mother Theresa’s good works certainly pleased the world, but did they please God? Unless she was born again, she could not please God. What about us, do our works please God? There was a time when our filthy hands and defiled hearts could bring forth nothing but that which displeased God. That changed when we were saved. At that moment, we became the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. As a resident, He enables us to please God. He provides us with the righteousness to live as we ought. He encourages us to holy living and worship. He guides and preserves us in a sinful world. Without Him, we would not be able to please God. Without Him, we would never understand the importance of pleasing God. Anything done in this life that is not directed toward pleasing God is wasted, just as the entire lives of the unsaved are wasted for eternity.
How important is it to you that your life, your words, your deeds please God? Give thanks today that you are able to please Him. – Jim MacIntosh