For starters, keep in mind that “without faith, it is impossible to please God“. If you’ve expressed that faith by becoming a genuine born-again Christian, then you’ll do well to keep in mind three simple things that God expects from us (Micah 6.8):
- Do justly
- Love mercy
- Walk humbly with your God
Walking “In the Spirit”
Beyond that, the characteristics of the Spirit of God in you should become apparent as you enjoy the miracle of walking “in the spirit“. New Christians begin to notice that they gradually evince the “fruits of the spirit” without even having to think about every one! The Bible is replete with lists of good and bad behaviors, but it’s important to keep in mind that those lists aren’t there as some kind of religious rule book. Rules are behaviors that can be followed without relationship with Christ, and the normal Christian life is something else. The normal Christian life is abiding in Christ in faith, bearing fruits of righteousness because of our connection with him. Rules bring praise to the rule obeyer. Fruits of the Holy Spirit bring praise only to God. Following rules might elevate us in the eyes of men, but only by abiding in Christ do our present day actions accrue to treasure in eternity. Be wise. Choose the latter!
What does God hate?
Again, the following list is taken from Proverbs 6.16-19: “These six things doth the Lord hate. Yea, seven are an abomination to him...”
- A proud look
- A lying tongue
- Hands that shed innocent blood
- A heart that devises wicked imaginations
- Feet that are swift in running to mischief
- A false witness that speaks lies
- He that sows discord among the brethren
Of course God literally hates each of these activities when we behave that way, and we should be careful to not do any of them! Like Jesus’s words about looking at a woman with lust though, it’s better to not WANT TO DO the things on the list. The Holy Spirit within believers is fully against all of them already. Our job is to “yield our members as instruments of righteousness unto God. His is the victory over sin.