For a long time, I would look at the Bible and see what God says a believer should be and think “man I need to be at that level.” I would struggle and try and be what I know I could be, but would end up discouraged and back to square one. If we desire God and want to obey Him, we cannot start anywhere else except at step one, which is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 12:30). That is why the Bible tells us in Colossians 3:14 that love is the bond of perfection (completeness in Christ) because all of God’s commandments hinge on our dependence on Him. Romans 8:5-8 says this:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

If we live our lives focused on our material needs or wants whether that be our jobs, friends, bills, family, home, etc. We will never please God because our decisions will be influenced by our plans and purposes and not Gods. Our human understanding cannot begin to comprehend Gods ways. If we try and live life based on how we think it should be done or how we think God wants it done, we will miss the mark every time. The only sure way to live a life pleasing to God is to walk with Him.

Romans 12:1-2 says this: I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

When we continually allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the Word, the way we think, act and talk change. Our life will begin to reflect the life God intended us to live.

So if we want to live the life God intended us to live, we simply just have to start somewhere. The Bible tells us in James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. When we make an effort to draw close to God, He meets us where we are at. Take time to consistently read the Word, and seek God for the understanding of it.