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Living According to the Scriptures

The question of how a Christian should live to please Jehovah God is central to the faith of every believer who takes the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. The Scriptures are abundantly clear in providing guidance for living in a manner that aligns with Jehovah’s will and reflects the holiness He desires. Christians are called to obedience, humility, and faithfulness as foundational aspects of their daily walk. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). This verse encapsulates the simplicity yet depth of a life that pleases God.

A Christian’s life begins with a personal acceptance of salvation through Jesus Christ, as outlined in Acts 4:12, where Peter declares, “And there is salvation in none other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Salvation is the doorway to the journey of sanctification—a life progressively conformed to the image of Christ through obedience to the Word of God.

Obedience to Jehovah’s Commands

The essence of Christian living is obedience to Jehovah’s commands as revealed in Scripture. Jesus affirmed the importance of this when He said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). This statement underscores that love for God is inseparably linked to a life of obedience. Obedience is not merely external compliance but springs from a heart transformed by the renewing power of God’s Word (Romans 12:2).

Jehovah’s commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3), but they require diligence and commitment. This includes worshiping Jehovah alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and rejecting all forms of idolatry, whether physical or spiritual. Christians must also be zealous in their pursuit of righteousness, as Paul exhorts Timothy: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

The historical-grammatical interpretation of these passages affirms their literal application to believers today. The moral law of God is eternal and unchanging, reflective of His own holy character (Leviticus 19:2).

Pursuing Holiness in All Areas of Life

The call to holiness is foundational to Christian living. “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in your ignorance: but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living” (1 Peter 1:14-15). Holiness, or separation from sin, is not a suggestion but a command.

The pursuit of holiness involves guarding one’s mind, actions, and associations. Philippians 4:8 provides a blueprint for pure thoughts: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Practical holiness also includes modesty, integrity in speech and behavior, and the avoidance of activities or relationships that could compromise one’s walk with Jehovah (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).

Faith in Action

Living a life pleasing to Jehovah requires active faith demonstrated through works of righteousness. James 2:26 states unequivocally, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.” Good works, while not the basis of salvation, are evidence of true faith and a transformed life.

This active faith manifests in acts of love and service to others. Galatians 6:10 encourages believers, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” Helping those in need, encouraging fellow believers, and sharing the gospel with the lost are all ways Christians put their faith into action (Matthew 28:19-20).

A Life of Prayer and Devotion

Prayer is the lifeblood of Christian living, a means of maintaining communion with Jehovah. Jesus emphasized this when He taught, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee” (Matthew 6:6). Prayer is not merely a ritual but a vital expression of dependence on God.

Devotion to Scripture is equally essential. Psalm 1:2-3 describes the blessed man whose “delight is in the law of Jehovah; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Regular Bible study equips believers with the knowledge and wisdom needed to navigate life’s difficulties while remaining faithful to Jehovah.

Perseverance in the Faith

Christian living involves perseverance in the face of challenges. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers: “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). This perseverance is not passive endurance but an active striving toward spiritual maturity and steadfastness.

Paul’s life serves as an example of unwavering commitment to the faith. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, he declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day.” This highlights the hope of eternal life that motivates believers to remain faithful.

The Hope of Eternal Life

Christian living is oriented toward the ultimate hope of eternal life in Jehovah’s presence. This hope shapes priorities, values, and decisions, as Paul writes, “Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3). The promise of resurrection and the joy of being with Jehovah forever provide strength and encouragement for every believer.

Conclusion

To live as a Christian in a way that pleases Jehovah God is to embrace a life of obedience, holiness, faith, prayer, and hope. The Scriptures serve as the unerring guide for every aspect of life, revealing the will of Jehovah and empowering believers to live faithfully. By walking humbly with God, meditating on His Word, and actively pursuing righteousness, Christians honor Jehovah and reflect His glory to the world.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).