“…try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10 ESV).

Isn’t it funny how you can read a passage many times, and each time you pick up on something different? I have been reading in Ephesians this month. It is one of my favorite books in the Bible (you may note that I say this about nearly every book that I am reading at the time). This time I noticed the word “try.” As an ambitious career person, I learned never to say “try,” as in “I’ll try.” As compared to “I’ll take care of it,” or “I’ll do my best,” using the word “try” implied some caginess, perhaps allowing for wiggle room, and in general did not sound like true commitment.

So, is that how we should interpret this passage? I decided to investigate this passage in other translations. Here are a few:

• “Therefore, test everything to see what’s pleasing to the Lord.” (CEB) 
• “…discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.” (HCSB)
• “…proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (KJV)
• “Learn as you go along what pleases the Lord.” (TLB)
• “…as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” (NASB)
• “…and find out what pleases the Lord.” (NIV)
• “…finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” (NKJV)

What I found in common with all these passages is the necessity for action. All these versions use active rather than passive verbs: test, discern, prove, learn, find out. There is an implication that we should take the initiative to learn.

The other thing I found in common was that the object of the action is to please the Lord. Have you ever gone all out to do something for someone, and then they did not seem to appreciate it? It is like that dream of showing up late or for the wrong class. Or, assuming that because you like chocolate, everyone likes chocolate. We cannot know how to please someone unless we get to know them, and unless we understand their expectations.

Paul is writing to the Christians in the Church at Ephesus. He had established the church on one of his missionary journeys, starting with the Jews who worshipped in the local synagogue and then expanding to convert many Gentiles in that cosmopolitan city. It is clear that he loved this diverse congregation. He recognizes that they are growing in their Christian faith, building on many diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and customs to become united as one body in Christ.

Paul teaches many basic Christian concepts in his letter to these new Christians. But he is also teaching them how to learn for themselves. In a famous metaphor, he is not only giving them fish for their supper, but also teaching them to fish for themselves. He is telling them not to make assumptions based on their past experiences, and he is encouraging them to ensure that what they learn and put into practice will be for one singular purpose—to please the Lord.

Not only does Paul emphasize our purpose in taking action to learn what is pleasing to the Lord, he also provides a sense of urgency:

“Be very careful, then, how you will live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15-21)

If you are looking for a place to start to “try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord,” I can think of no better book to read than Ephesians. It is true, it is proven, it is comprehensive, it is the inspired Word of God, written down by Paul in a very practical style. I really like how The Message translates Ephesians 5:10:

“You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So, no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.” (MSG)

In Christ,

Judy