Hebrews 11:6 says that what pleases the Lord is our faith. Romans 14:23 ends with, “…whatever is not of faith is sin.” Therefore doing things to gain favor, be accepted, be noticed, seeking attention is all classified as self serving. 

Ephesians 6:6 says, “Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservant of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Another aspect of pleasing the Lord is doing His will. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is so clear in saying, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Hebrews 13:21 says, “Make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight…”

Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Troubling interpersonal relationships are the Lord’s tool for character development and transformation.