How do I Please God?

We live in a world that emphasizes personal pleasure. This is rampant in advertising and other forms of media. The conversations that I hear at work are often dominated by this. Popular music (whether labeled "secular" or "Christian") is mostly about pleasing the flesh. All forms of entertainment are designed to please self. But have you ever asked yourself what pleases God? It is a good question, is it not?

God has quite a bit to say about this....

Only those who have been born again can please God

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8: 5-8

Without faith it is impossible to please God

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11: 6

Understanding of and obedience to God's will pleases God

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1: 9-10

God is pleased with them who fear him and hope in his mercy

He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Psalm 147: 10-11

Lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness please God

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 9: 24

Honesty pleases God

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Proverbs 12: 22

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

I Thessalonians 1: 3-4

Thanksgiving, doing good, and giving pleases God

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13: 15

Not being entangled in the things of this life enables us to please him

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

II Timothy 2: 4

Godly singing pleases him

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

Psalm 69: 30-31

For it is God which worketh in you

both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 2: 13