Basically there are two ways we can approach God. These two approaches can be summed up in two ways: do better or become new. The do better approach says, “God, I’m sorry for what I’ve done. I’m going to try harder. Things will be different from now on. I promise to do better.”

‍

The new approach says, “God, I’m sorry for what I’ve done. I need you. I’m broken, and there is no way in my own effort that I can please you. So Jesus, make me new.”

‍

Now we’re using the words: better or new, but the Bible uses two different words: law or grace. One approach is based on rules. The other approach is based on relationship. Here’s what I’ve learned in 33 years of following Jesus: people who focus on the rules seldom keep them. Christ did not come to make us better; He came to make us new.