“We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him” (Colossians 1:9-10).
When you pray for your family, friends, or associates, what do you pray for? If you’re like me you may pray for their salvation and safety, but what about their sanctification?
Sanctification can seem like a big, scary word. What does that mean, anyway? Let’s take a hint from this passage. Notice what Paul said he prays for; he gives six things.
- Filled
- Knowledge
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Walk worthily
- Pleasing
Notice the progression from knowing something to doing something with the end result that our lives are lived out in a way that is, “Pleasing to [the Lord].” This is the essence of what it means to be sanctified. It also implies that we cannot live such a life without the things that come before it. A right knowledge of the Lord, carefully applied and lived out in a practical way gives God pleasure. Have you ever thought that your life gives God pleasure?
Memory Verse
“The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love” (Psalm 147:11).
Application
Look today for opportunities to please the Lord by doing good to others with humility and patience. When we do that to others, we are also doing that to him (Matthew 25:40). May you sense his pleasure today.
