During his earthly ministry, Jesus instructed his disciples and all who would listen: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matthew 6:31-34). What Jesus is saying is that God knows we have need of these essentials for living in this world. If we focus on doing the things we know will please God we will actually unleash the fulfilling power of God in our daily lives.
The apostle Paul understood this and actually tried to explain to the early Christians at Thessaloniki how they could begin to live a life that would be found pleasing to God. He wrote, Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it (I Thessalonians 5:11-24).
Paul gives us a pretty good overview of how we can go about living a life that is pleasing to God. We don’t get to pick the aspects of Christianity we like and ignore the ones we don’t like or might create difficulties in our lives. As Christians, we will face difficulties, trials, and tribulations. We will all face hardships, and we will all call upon the Lord Jesus Christ to help us live through those times. The difference between whether God will require us to repent of our attitude before he will help or will stand ready to help us when we first cry out to him is the condition of our life before we even call. As an old preacher friend of mine prayed, “Lord, I’ll have another helping of whatever you’ll send my way…” What an attitude of gratitude to have towards an ever-loving God!
