2 categories of people

"The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18: 11-14.

In the eyes of God all people belong to one group - sinners. Within this group there are 2 subgroups: those who understand it, and those who don't. Some might have high standards of morale (no robbing, no evil doing, no adultery, paying the tithe and bla, bla, bla) and even follow it, but God's standards of morale is still higher. Nobody can fully reach those without being born again and with the help of the Holy Ghost. Those that follow their own standards without admitting need for God's forgiveness, do not get it. They walk in self righteousness and fail to get God's righteousness.

The other group, that generally understand their sinfulness typically have failed with the standards of morale that the pharisee referred in his prayer. This leads to humility and repentance. These two, Jesus said grant one God's justification without actually doing good works. We have to understand, justification that God provides for us, comes through repenting for our sins and believing in what Jesus did for us. You cannot earn God's favor. He gives it freely for everybody who believes.

How do you please God

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" Hebrews 11:6.

There is only way to please God and that is to believe what He says. You can do good works, for sure, but they don't get you closer to God, nor do they justify you in His eyes. You can get God's righteousness only by believing. Good works are the result. So, if you want God to like you, trust His word. He is good for you, has excellent plan for your life. Yet, He expects you to believe Him. He admires your faith. Keep on developing and strengthening it, and you will sew God's wonders happening in your life. 

Which comes first faith or works

Romans 4:11: “And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.”

There have been a lot of discussions and debates throughout the history regarding importance of works and faith in our redemption. This topic is very important, because if you get it wrong your beliefs will be based on wrong theology. Paul starts with Abraham to prove his point that faith is the cause and works are the result. If you do not have faith and try to be righteous by means of your works you will not please God or be righteous. You have to believe. Works follow your faith, not precede them. 

If you still insist on your good works I have to disappoint you, because the word of God says that our righteousness is like rags in his eyes. Do you want to be dressed in the rags of your self-righteousness or in a beautiful robe of God’s righteousness? If you want God’s righteousness you have to believe. God bless you.