When I started this, I had something completely different in mind. But when I got to the actual writing part, it didn’t feel right, so I went with something I found in my old Facebook memories.

It’s a good reminder that the Christian faith isn’t based on “do more” and “be better” and “try harder,” but it’s a declaration of brokenness and dependency on Jesus from the first moment of professing faith to the last dying breath, and every moment in between.

I’m hoping this will set you free from faith-based performance anxiety and the need to base your self-worth on how well you do Christian things for God.

“I think most of us begin our Christian journey with this simple truth.

I’m broken. I need Jesus. The end.

However as we launch out on this new journey it doesn’t take long before we begin to hear this growing and incessant whisper that says, “Try harder, do more.”

Sing more.
Memorize more.
Journal more.
Preach more.
Pray more.
Evangelize more.
Serve more.

This approach can look quite spiritual to those around us; however, it’s often rooted in a inner conviction that our worth as a Christian is dependent upon our ability to outperform those around us. Behind this spiritual facade is a fragile and insecure heart desperately attempting to get God to love us more. We know God loves us but we’re afraid He may still be disappointed in us.

The cross isn’t something we start with and then move on from. The cross isn’t just the starting line of our faith, it’s the centerpiece. Grace isn’t something we need just for salvation, it’s like air for the believer.

So today when you hear that whisper in your head that says “Try harder, do more,” go back to this:

I’m broken. I need Jesus. The end” (Pete Wilson).