No One Can Afford to Waste Time in a Counterfeit…
“No one can afford to waste time in a counterfeit.” Such wise words spoken to me by a loving friend in a time where a huge decision needed to be made. We want to be wise, we want to honor God, and we want to make the right decision. So many sheep find themselves in a place where they feel like things are off, but they are uncertain of what to do.
In the fog of control, in the midst of gaslighting, and in the trenches of believing biblical error, it can almost feel impossible to have clarity and peace. In this type of environment your ability to think clearly often becomes impaired over time. You may find it difficult to make decisions, trust your own discernment, or even recognize what’s true.
Sometimes, what we experience in a church or ministry setting simply doesn’t reflect the heart of Jesus—even if it uses His name. Things can look and sound spiritual, but is it Jesus? There can be passionate sermons, prophetic words, extended worship, and talk of revival. But underneath if you often feel afraid, confused, condemned, pressured, and never quite “enough”—then ask yourself, is this the fruit of the gospel?
The gospel sets people free and where the gospel of grace is preached and believed you will experience true peace in your life. Where grace reigns people experience freedom and are not pressured to perform or to try harder. The yoke of Jesus is easy and His burden is light. No one should feel like they have to exhaust themselves or work themselves to the bone in order for God to move. God doesn’t force or pressure anyone to do anything. His love and promises are not conditional. He doesn’t withhold anything from us because we haven’t pulled the correct lever, we haven’t prayed enough, we haven’t fasted enough or because we haven’t repented enough. He wants to be our Father not a slave driver.
Sadly, many leaders think that the only way to get things done or to get their vision fulfilled is through the labor and resources of the sheep. In cases like this, financial pressure, volunteer pressure and all sorts of extra things are presented to the sheep as necessary. Questions and comments like these may follow “How serious are you about revival?” “We have a special mandate and a call”, “We must sacrifice more”, “We are not like other churches”. It doesn’t take long for people to feel burdened and eventually burn out.
If we aren’t anchored in the gospel and in our identity as sons and daughters we can easily yoke ourselves to heavy and burdensome duties all because we sincerely want to please God and do the right thing. Well, I have good news for you. Jesus did the heavy lifting so that you don’t have to. The gospel announces the amazing news that because of Christ you are totally off the hook from performing. You’re fully forgiven and fully righteous as a gift. We literally get what Jesus deserves as a gift because God loves us that much. How amazing is that!?
Some may say grace makes people lazy or careless—but the truth is, grace is power. I am far more productive in the kingdom now that I have peace and rest under grace than I ever was when I was striving, contending, condemned and performing. It’s out of gratitude for what Jesus has done that we will be inspired by love to do wonderful things for Him and with Him. Love is a far greater motivator than fear.
So if you’ve found yourself in a place that feels heavy, confusing, or controlling—it’s okay to ask questions.
It’s okay to seek clarity or talk to someone.
And it’s okay to slow down, take a step back and look for Jesus. The truth will make you free.
