“Trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:10).
Do you remember when you first fell in love? Can you still remember how you studied your beloved to understand those things which most pleased them? You were a careful student because your love made you desire to please the beloved in every way. Are you trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord?
Since verse 9 is a parenthetical insertion, this verse must be read with verse 8 in mind. In the matter of our daily life, we desire to make decisions based on what is pleasing to the Lord. To do so we must first make a diligent effort to “learning” the will of God. The word translated “learning” can also mean “proving for oneself,” which involves choosing and implementing the will of God. The Christian is not a learner for the sheer joy of learning; he/she is a learner for the sheer joy of pleasing the Lord.
The Light of God is freely given but it does not free man from the responsibility of learning, thinking, and choosing. The thoughts and choices of the citizen of the Light are controlled by the desire to please the Lord and not oneself. Does this describe you?
Prayer: Father, may I live today to please You. Amen.