The little boy ran off the baseball field. He ignored the coach and his fellow players as he returned to the dugout. He frantically looks for someone in the stands. Then his face lights up and he yells, “Daddy, Daddy, Did I do good?” And my heart melted. I don’t recall the words I answered, but I praised his athletic prowess and display of baseball skills. Then it hit me, a Father’s praise is something all children seek. I also was struck by the question, “Do I desire God’s favor as much as my son desired mine?”
We need to put God’s opinion above all others. Really, that the only opinion which matters. Romans 8:5-9 says, “5 For those who live[e] according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live[f] according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since[g] the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” (HCSB)
We cannot be pleasing to God in the power of the flesh. Our flesh will lead us astray. We can’t do whatever we want and then come to God asking Him to bless the mess we have created. It is when we walk by the Spirit that we will please Him. The Spirit will direct our steps and guide our hearts. He will create righteousness within us.
I’m glad that I don’t have to earn God’s pleasure. When I yield to the Spirit, He does the work! The Spirit working through me enables me to live in a manner that pleases the Father!
So when we run to the final dugout looking for our heavenly Father’s praise, we can know He will be pleased already if we have been living by the Spirit!
Ramblings by James 