There are two possible extremes one can fall into regarding pleasing God. The first can be illustrated with the story of the Pharisee told in Luke 18. The man in question mentions fasting twice a week as well as paying tithes as at when due. On the basis of his works, he was convinced he had a special place in the heart of God. The moment we think we have enough good works to present to God as credentials, we miss the boat. We need to remember that all our works of righteousness are nothing but filthy rags before God. No man can be justified by the works of the law. When we hold on to works, we forfeit grace.

We cannot keep emphasizing the goodness of God at the expense of His severity.

The other extreme is the lascivious tendency of those who think we are not under the law. This group further push their luck by thinking that once saved we are forever saved. They foreclose the possibility of drawing back, no matter how reckless we choose to live. They are quick to emphasize the fact that God is merciful, and He will always overlook and pardon sin. What they forget to recognize is that God is as severe as He is merciful. The truth lies in between these extremes. We need to strike a balance. We cannot keep emphasizing the goodness of God at the expense of His severity. The safety valve is what the Bible describes as a broken and contrite spirit.  This frame of mind neither boasts of any personal accomplishment nor lives indulgently. Such people simply tremble at the word of God.