As a Christian how are we to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord?
To live in a way that pleases the Lord, you first need to understand where His priorities lie. While many people assume God is mainly focused on the unsaved world, His primary focus and dedication are actually directed toward the Church (Ephesians 5:25). Living a pleasing life starts with having this correct mental perspective and aligning your own priorities with His (1 Peter 3:15).
A major part of this process is what is described as sanctifying Christ in your heart. This means setting Him apart as the Lord and Master over your life's decisions (1 Peter 3:15). Instead of making choices based on your own desires, you should consistently ask what the Lord wants you to do in every situation. This relationship is based on the hope of the gospel—the fact that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15).
You also please the Lord by recognizing that He treats believers differently than the rest of the world. He knows exactly who belongs to Him because the Father chose them before the world began (Ephesians 1:3-4, 2 Timothy 2:19). Because you belong to Him, Christ is constantly interceding for you, asking for your maturity and spiritual growth rather than for the world (John 17:5-9, Hebrews 7:25). When you understand this security, you can focus on departing from unrighteousness and responding correctly to His protective discipline (1 Corinthians 11:32).
Another essential step is finding your place within a local church. The Lord intentionally places each Christian into a specific congregation to use their unique spiritual gifts for the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Being faithful to the ministry He has given you is a key way to please Him, as it helps the whole body of believers grow together in love and reach maturity (Ephesians 4:15-16). He is your Great Shepherd Who works to adjust you to do His will (Hebrews 13:20).
Finally, you please the Lord by living as a testimony in the world. Even though you are not of the world, He keeps you here so that other people can see the Father and the Son through your life (John 17:14-15). When you focus on being faithful to Him and maturing in your faith, the natural result is that the world sees Christlikeness in you. God chose those who were ordained to eternal life to believe at the exact right moment for His purpose (Acts 13:48).
For more information listen to this message: A Walk Pleasing the Lord
“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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17