Approved and Pleasing in His Sight

Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were trying to be popular with men. If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10) Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.(Colossians 3:23-24)

For they loved the approval of men more than the approval of God. (John 12:43)

Not in the way of eye-service [working only when someone is watching you and only] to please men, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. (Ephesians 6:6)

Just as I please everyone in all things [as much as possible adapting myself to the interests of others], not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, so that they [will be open to the message of salvation and] may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:33)

But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel [that tells the good news of salvation through faith in Christ], so we speak, not as [if we were trying] to please people [to gain power and popularity], but to please God who examines our hearts [expecting our best]. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers). (Galatians 6:9-10)

But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me that I may be judged by you or any human court [on this point]; in fact, I do not even judge myself.

I am aware of nothing against myself and I feel blameless, but I am not by this acquitted [before God]. It is the Lord who judges me. (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.

For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10)

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the LORD is set securely on high. (Proverbs 29:25)

Thus says the LORD, Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, And whose mind and heart turn away from the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:5)

For he who does wrong will be punished for his wrongdoing, and [with God] there is no partiality [no special treatment based on a person’s position in life]. (Colossians 3:25)