CHAPTER TWELVE: Living in a Way That Pleases God

How can you become God's friend?

In what way does Satan's challenge  involve you? 

What conduct displeases Jehovah?

How can you live in a way that pleases God?


WHAT  kind of person would you choose as a friend?  Very likely you want the company of someone who shares your views, interests, and values, such as honesty and kindness.  (note: you see so little of  honesty and kindness anymore)

Throughout history, God has  chosen humans to be his close friends.  For example, Jehovah called Abraham his friend.  (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23) God referred  to David as "a man agreeable to my heart"  because he was the kind of person Jehovah loves.  (Acts 13:22) And Jehovah viewed the prophet Daniel as "someone very desirable. -Daniel 9:23.

Why did Jehovah consider Abraham, David, and Daniel to be his friends?  Well, he told Abraham:  "You have listened to my voice."  (Genesis 22:18)  So Jehovah draws close to those who humbly do what he asks of them."  "Obey my voice," he told the Israelites, "and I will become your God, and you yourselves will become my people." (Jeremiah 7:23)  If you obey Jehovah, you too can become his friend!

JEHOVAH STRENGTHENS HIS FRIENDS

Think about what friendship with God means.  The Bible says that Jehovah is looking for opportunities "to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him."  (2 Chronicles 16:9)  How can Jehovah show his strength in your behalf?  One way is brought out at Psalm 32:8, where read:  "I [Jehovah] shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you. " 

What a touching expression of Jehovah's care!  He will give you needed direction and watch over you as you apply it.  God wants to help you get through your trials and tests.  (Psalm 55:22) So if you serve Jehovah with a complete heart, you can be as confident as the psalmist who said:  "I have placed Jehovah  in front of me constantly.  Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be made to totter." (Psalm 16:8; 63:8) Yes, Jehovah can help you to live in a way that pleases him. But, as you know, there is an enemy of God who would like to keep you from doing this. 

Next time: Living in a Way That Pleases God/SATAN'S CHALLENGE

From the book: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH?