Living to Please God: Finding Unity Through Humility and Acceptance

Discover the transformative power of humility, acceptance, and unity in building a life that pleases God.

Living to Please God: My Journey to Joyful Unity

I’ll never forget the moment I realized that pleasing God wasn’t about trying to be perfect or always getting it right. It was about living in unity with others, finding joy in putting others first, and embracing humility—values that lead to a life that honors God.

Over the years, I’ve learned that unity isn’t about everyone being the same. It’s about rallying around a common purpose and our shared faith in Jesus. True unity is grounded in humility and acceptance, and these qualities reflect Christ’s heart, filling us with a peace and joy that only God can provide. Romans 15:13 captures this beautifully: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.” Here’s a bit of my journey to discovering these life-changing truths.

Humility: Putting Others First

Early on, I thought unity was about being right, but I came to realize it’s about putting others first. Pride can creep in when we rely on knowledge alone, but as I’ve learned, “knowledge puffs up, while love builds up.” In our walk with Christ, it’s humility that keeps us close to Him and to each other. The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:3, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”

It’s not always easy to practice, but when I make that shift, I feel closer to Jesus, whose life was a perfect example of putting others first. By putting others before myself, I’ve experienced a joy I never knew was possible.

Acceptance: Creating a Culture of Belonging

In a world that’s often divided, I’m grateful to be part of a church family that welcomes everyone—regardless of background, lifestyle, or political beliefs. Romans 15:7 reminds us, “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” True acceptance doesn’t mean endorsing every decision someone makes, but it means loving them as Christ does. Jesus tore down walls and invited everyone to belong.

When we worship together, it’s like a harmony of voices, beautifully diverse yet united in purpose. This unity transcends color, culture, and language, reminding me that wherever I go, I’m part of a family in Christ.

Ambition in Christ: Going All In

One of my favorite quotes is from missionary William Carey: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” It’s inspired me to live with purpose, trusting that God has extraordinary plans for me as long as I’m willing to step out in faith. Romans 15:30 also speaks to this ambition, calling us to “join in my struggle by praying to God for me.”

I don’t want to just wait around, hoping for good things to happen. I want to live with a bold faith, expecting and pursuing great things that honor Him. That’s the ambition I hope to inspire in others, too!

In Summary

Living to please God is an ongoing journey—a journey toward humility, acceptance, and unity. As I continue to grow in faith, I’m more convinced than ever that unity is what God desires for us. It’s a unity rooted in patience, encouragement, and love. And as we join together, we bring glory to God, the ultimate source of joy and peace.

#UnityInChrist #LiveForGod #FaithJourney #Humility #Acceptance #ChristianCommunity

Hi there Jim! Hope this message finds you in great spirits. I’m considering diving into modern technology and blogging about my faith as well...using storytelling to uplift and inspire. I’d love to connect and see where our paths might cross!

6 + 8 =

Who I Am

I’m Jim, a retired business graphics professional with a passion for new technology and storytelling. I earned my marketing degree from the University of Hawaii, where I also fell in love with competitive sailing. I’ve been a Christian since 1971, happily married for 50 years, and I’m blessed with four children and three grandchildren. Guided byHabakkuk 2:2,I believe in the power of storytelling to uplift and inspire others

 

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