Are You Awake?

When I was caught up in the deliverance movement, the focus was always on problems—what was wrong with me, what needed to be cast out, or what needed to be broken off. I was intraspective, constantly chasing my tail, trying not to sin, trying to “get free,” all while unaware that I was already free in Christ.

Once I understood faith righteousness, everything changed and began to make sense. Striving ceased, fear faded, and I began to experience peace and love. As I understood my new creation identity, my desires and behaviors began to transform. The things I once wrestled with and felt overwhelmed by started to fall away. Why? Because I stopped trying to “be holy,” I stopped focusing on demons, I stopped focusing on sin, and I stopped trying to “do more” or “try harder.” Instead, I embraced and believed the truth about who Christ had already made me to be.

The truth of the gospel, of God’s grace, didn’t lead me to desire to live a sinful or careless life, it has actually been quite the opposite. Because the gospel doesn’t produce rebellion it produces freedom.

One of the biggest turning points in my journey was when I stopped listening to people that incited fear and insecurity about my standing with God. Scaring and condemning Christians isn’t ministry. I would listen to these ministers and be totally fearful and uncertain if I was doing enough to be okay. Fear and condemnation are terrible motivators. They may produce short-term behavior change, but ultimately it leads to an incorrect view of God, burnout, bondage, and even rebellion.

What truly changed me was the love of God poured out through the unconditional good news of the gospel. When I woke up to righteousness (by faith), I no longer wanted to sin (1 Corinthians 15:34). Correctly seeing and understanding that right standing with God is solely a gift extended to us by grace and not our works or law keeping breaks the power of sin, fear and condemnation. Believe the gospel and be free.