Obedience Pleases a Holy God

I hate times I feel like I failed at something. Or if I did something half-hearted, not putting my best into it. It’s never quite fulfilling, is it? We know we can do better. 

Contrast that with the feeling we get when we put all we can into an assignment. Isn’t it rewarding when we know we did something well? Especially when our obedience and best efforts are pleasing to the Lord. 

Obedience acknowledges a holy God’s direction over every aspect of our lives, from dedicated prayer and Bible study to our interactions with a restaurant server. All we do is to testify to our serving our holy Father.

In the Old Testament, one way God’s people pleased Him was through their sacrifices offered in the Tabernacle as they traveled through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. 

In Leviticus 8, God gives Moses detailed instructions for ordaining Aaron and his sons for priestly duties in the Tabernacle. This included burnt animal sacrifices.

It was a burnt offering for a pleasing aroma, a fire offering to the LORD as he had commanded Moses…This was an ordination offering for a pleasing aroma, a fire offering to the LORD. Leviticus 8:21,28

The Israelites were to show they followed a holy, and the only, God Almighty. They were to be set apart and different from the pagan cultures around them as they journeyed to the Promised Land. 

I was reminded of this the day I read Leviticus 8-9 in my Bible plan. Our assignment is the same today. We are to reflect Jesus’ image and the way He walked on earth. It shows in how we approach and respond to people and circumstances we face daily. I need to ask myself, “Am I reflecting His holiness as I walk, speak, act, and react to people around me?” 

Sometimes I’m not even aware of where I am falling short, so I can pray Psalm 19:12-13:

Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule me.
Then I will be blameless
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

I listened to a song in my time with the Lord that morning: Only a Holy God by CityAlight. Timely for sure!

May my life be a testament to Your holiness, Lord, as I walk in Your light and shine that light to others. Thank you for your forgiveness when I fail. I know my obedience pleases you when I obey.

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