Do you feel pressure to do more to feel accepted?

 

Do you feel a constant weight that you’re never doing enough?

 

Do you feel like you’ll get judged if you say no to adding more to your plate even though you know you’re doing all God has for you this season?

 

Are people putting expectations on you that contradict what God has said to you?

 

Do you feel you have to jump through hoops to prove your “faithfulness” to God?

 

If you’ve said yes to any of these questions, I want you to know this was never God’s intention for His church.

 

There is pressure in the Christian culture to perform and be seen, and that is the complete opposite of what the Bible says.

 

Are we called to put our faith into practice by doing good?

 

Are we called to love others, serve, give to those in need, and follow in Jesus’ footsteps?

 

Yes.

 

But oftentimes it’s insinuated that these acts of service must be within the walls of the church building, seen by the pastors and leaders, or it doesn’t count. And even after the quota has been met, the push to do more is advised.

 

Family,

 

This pressure is not the way of Jesus.

 

Somehow, we’ve moved away from this incredible newfound freedom of following Jesus, and actually living as His hands and feet, naturally yet supernaturally to following the church line, checking off the boxes of what we call “church” and “ministry” in order to believe we’re on track, receiving praises of man.

 

This way is leading many to burn out and costing us the ability to hear God’s voice for ourselves, follow Him in our everyday lives, and live out the transformed life Jesus paid for.

 

Is community important?

 

Absolutely!

 

Is there value in the things that go on within the walls?

 

Yes — it’s a beautiful thing when we pause our lives and come together as one.

 

But let’s not wear a religious pressure that Jesus, Himself, corrected.

 

Here’s what the Lord put on my heart for each of us today:

 

“Beloved,

Take your attention off what others are saying and put your confident trust in Me. People see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe. You will exhaust yourself trying to fit a mold I never created you for. Follow Me and the plans I established in advance for you. When you remain in step with Me, you will continually feel light and free.” -Jesus

 

If today’s word spoke to you, you’ll love my book, Ripple Effect. The sale ends soon — grab your signed copy HERE or CLICK HERE to order at regular price on Amazon.

 

Hugs and blessings!

 

Much love, J