Are You Pleasing God or Trusting Him? By Pete BriscoeSample

Your Identity Option

It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. —J.K. Rowling

If you are striving to “please God,” there are a bunch of voices in your head telling you things like this: I should be more sold out for God. I should care more. I need to get on fire. I must buck up, shape up, and tighten up. Yes, it sounds like the mantra of good intentions and spiritual humility. But…

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 16:25)

Thankfully, God has provided another route. But we must back up to the intersection where we made the choice to go with the religious crowd in an attempt to please God by our own self-effort. At this intersection, another sign points down a different road. It says, “Trusting God.”

This road is definitely less worn than the other one, and it seems illogical. If you are uncomfortable with trusting God rather than pleasing God, a bunch of other voices in your head are saying things like this: When do I get to do something for God? Where's the part where I get to prove my sincerity? Where are my guidelines? Where do I get to give God my best?

If you overcome those voices and walk this path, you come to another door which says, “Living Out Who God says I Am.” The doorknob reads, “Humility.” It’s a room full of people who are obviously imperfect, full of compromise and struggle—yet they are authentic. They are both laughing and crying—yet underneath any expression is a genuine joy.

Yeah, it’s not nearly as orderly and polished as the room filled with those who are trying in their own effort to “please God.” But there is something real about them… and there is a peace that surpasses all comprehension around them.

Yes, this group knows who they are in Christ, and they are resting in what He has done for them.

As Bruce McNichol says, “Welcome to the room of Grace!”

Abba Father, I cry out to You as Your adopted child. Show me the path I am on. Give me eyes to see the consequences of the choices I have made. Lead me in the way that leads to Life. Lead me in the everlasting way. Lead me to the room of Grace. Amen.