How am I doing in my efforts to please God? Perhaps, is it time for a little honest introspection as I examine my life and service to The Almighty? For these questions to be relevant, several points must be true.

First of all, there must be a God to serve and please. Many reject God’s existence. So for them, any religious time and effort is wasted. For those people, any honest introspection must begin with them examining their reasons for denying God in light of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

It is fool hearted and disingenuous to reject God existence with the preponderance of proof clearly on His side.
Psalms 14:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.

What God am I trying to please? The pagan gods of heathens past? (Joshua 24:14-18) Perhaps, the many gods of the Athenians? (Acts 17:18-21) Is it possible I have a corrupted view of Jehovah as did the Jews in Jesus’ time? (John 8:42-47) Whatever I think about God, His Person and Nature does not change to fit my view. He is who He is regardless of what I believe about Him.
Acts 17:22-23 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:

The One True God has a discernible and consistent Nature. He is full of mercy and love (Eph. 2:4), and at the same time is just and vengeful (Heb. 10:30-31) If my perception of God paints Him differently than the Bible reveals, then maybe it is time for a little honest introspection about my view of the Bible.

The Bible is inspired by God and provides all we need to know to please Him.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Inspired writers did not author the message. They were simply tools of the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Many believe they can please and serve God without becoming a Christian. Surely God would be pleased if I just gave to the poor, lived a moral life, and loved my family. If I believe this way then it is time for a little honest soul-searching. Paul thought it made a difference.
Acts 26:28-29 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

Others think they can please God without any real service and commitment. Then there are those who are very religious, but decide for themselves how to worship and live. Another group may pick and choose what they believe from God’s Word. They decide what is important and what is not. If I accept any of these then I need a little more honest reflection on the Bible.
John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

If I think remission of sins comes without baptism, then I need a little honest introspection from God’s Word.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

If I believe I can please God without obedience, then I need to think again.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Remember to “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified.” (2 Cor. 13:5)

Terry Starling