Living FaithfullySample

Faith that Pleases God

Enoch is a contrast with Abel. Abel’s act of faithfulness to God led to his murder, while Enoch’s life of faithfulness resulted in his escaping death altogether. This contrast is highlighted toward the end of Hebrews 11, where we read that some “escaped the edge of the sword” (v. 34), while others “were put to death by the sword” (v. 37). The message of the text is clear: Whether we live or die, God is taking care of us. 

Perhaps this was a message needed by the early Jewish Christians. Perhaps those who had experienced persecution were beginning to question the faith of those who had escaped persecution. Perhaps the idea was circulating that those who had been martyred were the ones who really pleased God, and those who had been spared such suffering were not really worthy. 

Today we see the opposite evil. Sectarians on the fringes of Christendom proclaim a vicious and demonic “health and wealth” Gospel. The idea is that if you are suffering, it must be because you lack faith. Real believers escape suffering like Enoch; they don’t become martyrs like Abel. That is today’s heresy. 

Both of these ideas are wrong. The Bible does not say that God spared Enoch death because he pleased God. It simply says that Enoch pleased God. Abel also pleased God. 

What does it mean to please God? Watch a child and you will see. If a small child does something cute and the adults laugh, what will the child do next? He’ll do it again and watch to see if everyone laughs again. This is how we should relate to God. Unfortunately, we more often behave in such a way as to gain the approval of other people. Our goal should be, however, to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

Without faith we cannot please God, says Hebrews 11:6. Faith means believing that God exists and thus is present with us, watching everything we do (this is the meaning of coram Deo). Faith also means believing that He will reward everything we do. We must cultivate an awareness of His presence, so that like a child we do things to win His smile of approval. This not only satisfies us, it glorifies Him.

Coram Deo  

Do you find yourself feeling even slightly superior to others either because you suffer more or because you have been blessed with material comforts and peace? Both are insidious errors from which you need to repent. Ask God to replace any superiority you sense with humility.