Are You Living to Please God or Yourself?
Scriptures: Ephesians 5, 2 Corinthians 2, Philemon 1, James 4, Matthew 7
A Life That Doesn’t Hide
Ephesians 5 makes something very clear about a true walk with God:
When you are living a true life in God, you are not seeking to HIDE things.
Light exposes.
Truth reveals.
And obedience has nothing to conceal.
If you constantly feel the need to hide your actions, your decisions, or your habits, that should tell you something about your alignment with God.
Who Is Influencing You?
Be careful who you listen to.
Most people that give you advice could be giving you WRONG advice if they are not encouraging you to prioritize God.
Advice that ignores God will always lead you away from God.
2 Corinthians 2 reminds us that we are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices—but many people still follow voices that feel good instead of voices that are right.
Activity vs. Obedience
Here’s a major trap:
Just because you are doing activities for God does not mean you are being obedient.
You can be busy in church…
Busy around ministry…
Busy helping people…
…and still not be aligned with God’s will.
Philemon 1 shifts the focus to something more personal:
Who are the specific people you are praying for?
Faith is not just general—it is intentional.
Your Reputation in God
Many people have reputations—but not the right ones.
A lot of people have reputations, but they may not have reputations of service.
So ask yourself:
What are you known for in God?
Ephesians 5 gives a direct instruction:
Redeem your time so that you can take care of God’s business!
Time is not just something you spend—it’s something you account for.
Plans, Purpose, and Obedience
James 4 gives a strong warning:
Be careful making plans without God.
Too many people decide first and then ask God to approve it afterward.
And here’s a question that cuts deep:
If you know you could be better yet you will not be it, then HOW is that obedience?
Delayed obedience is still disobedience.
Fruit, Focus, and Accountability
Matthew 7 brings everything into focus:
Do you have a fruitful, productive life?
Not just busy—but fruitful.
Not just active—but effective.
So ask yourself honestly:
- Are you actively pursuing the pleasure of God?
- Or are you only concerned with what you can get away with?
And maybe the most important question of all:
How confident do you feel in your relationship with the Lord right now?
Confidence in God doesn’t come from words—it comes from alignment.
Challenge
- Live a life that has nothing to hide.
- Filter advice through whether it prioritizes God.
- Stop confusing activity with obedience.
- Be intentional in prayer—name people, not just situations.
- Build a reputation of service, not just presence.
- Include God in your plans before you act.
- Pursue a fruitful life that pleases God—not just a comfortable one.