I always react when I hear Christians lecturing about what pleases and displeases God. I have learned that most of the time when somebody says that a certain type of clothing, music, or activity is not pleasing to God, they're just stating their own opinion and can't find enough evidence to support it, so they bring out the big card. I know some of you might be cringing and some might decide right about now that you won't continue to read this. But bear with me.

God left specific life instructions in the Bible. I do agree that some of it is hard to understand, but beware of the "experts" who try to speak for God. If you form the habit of hearing from him yourself, you'll know when to stay and listen and when to walk away. Take the plan of salvation; it's simple and uncomplicated. Some might say too simple, so they add to it and come up with a list of rules and regulations that need to be followed perfectly in order to be saved. But what does the Bible really say? For starters read Acts 2:21, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9, and Romans 10:13.

Of course God wants us to please him, but the moment we start to think that our behavior is what makes us gain points in order to be loved and accepted by God, we start treading on dangerous territory. Salvation is not about what you can do, it's all about Jesus and what HE did. So then how do we please God? Not difficult: you start by recognizing that your performance cannot and will not earn your salvation because it's a free gift. FREE. You're too imperfect to ever be able to please a holy God; that's precisely why Jesus came.

After that first step, you will understand that it's not about you at all. When you enter into a relationship with God you need to be willing to let go of all your ideas, thoughts, and opinions about him and allow HIM to reveal himself to you. And he will. The closer you get, the more he reveals. Then you will find that your behavior starts changing and you become more and more like him. Remember that God is love. Hence becoming like him means that you will live out that love in every aspect of your life. Every aspect.

We are all God's children. Those of you who are parents, tell me: if somebody came up to you and said, speaking in regards to your children, "I like John, but I can't stand Peter because I think he's inferior". How would you feel? And how would you react if somebody mistreated your child? Then how do you think God feels when we treat our fellow human beings harshly and unfairly? It doesn't matter what a person has done, he or she needs your mercy. They don't deserve it, you say? Well of course not, mercy is an undeserved gift!

I find it particularly contradictory when Christians are mean and cruel. They have forgotten what matters most to God. Good for you that you only listen to Christian music! Congratulations because you've read the bible from cover to cover and can recite all the names of the books! Best wishes because you never wear make-up, jewelry or pants! Well done because you only eat herbs! None of that is important to God because it's all on the outside. It's all a show for others to see. Read I Samuel 16:7.

How many times have you not run into bitter, angry, hostile people who then proudly declare their denominational affiliation? How many times have you not seen bible-toting people being dishonest and disrespectful? How many times have you not met arrogant people whose feelings of superiority are based on how many bible verses they can quote off the top of their heads? Think about it: God is much more interested in how you treat others than in any other aspect of your Christian walk. The reason is simple. Read John 13:34.