God is demanding. He demands that we live, talk, and even think right. He has given us instructions to follow and commandments to keep, and unless we do so we will not make it to heaven. The day of judgment will be a day of accountability.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
I should point out, however, that obeying God as we should, not only pleasing Him but is in our best interests. The commandments of God are not a burden.
1 John 5:3 (KJV)
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
The truth is, serving God is far more beneficial than not. David knew this.
Psalm 103:2 (ESV)
2 Bless the lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
In this Psalm, David reminds us how richly blessed we are. We all have unique blessings that God has given us, but we have shared blessings as well. For example, we have all been forgiven, that is, those of us who have obeyed God. David said that God has forgiven all our iniquities (Psalms 103:3).
Is there a greater benefit in life than the forgiveness of sins? The answer is no. The forgiveness of sins is more valuable than any physical possession we might have. David wrote of the blessedness of the man whose sins are covered, and against whom sins are not imputed (Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:7-8).
David does not say that the person who never sins is blessed, but the person who does sin, but, by the grace of God, that sin is not put down on his account. What a benefit it is to know that God is so forgiving, making it possible for us to go to heaven even though we fail to live perfectly before Him.
Forgiveness of sins is a benefit that carries with it other benefits as well. David next refers to the benefit of being redeemed from the pit (Psalm 103:4). The word pit refers to destruction, and while the Old Testament is a little vague about this, the New Testament is very clear about the destruction from which we are redeemed.
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (NKJV)
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
I do not know about you, but I would call escaping this destruction a great benefit. Paul is describing eternal punishment in hell, something we should all want to avoid, and something that is altogether avoidable due to the steadfast love and mercy of God (Psalms 103:4).
Never forget the benefits of being a child of God. David refers to a few more here in Psalm 103, and the rest of the Bible speaks of many others as well. Our job is to remember them in good times and in bad times, allowing the thought of these wonderful benefits we receive to keep us strong in the Lord.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.