4 Myths We Believe About Following Jesus
If you are a follower of Christ, there are still things you can wrongly believe about what that entails if you aren't careful. These "myths" can creep up due to doubt, insecurity, or any number of things. Regardless of what causes us to believe them, it doesn't make them true.
Below are a few myths I have wrestled with at various points (and still do at times even today) that I think most people can relate to.
1. We have to pretend we have it all together
All of us know we have weaknesses and struggles. This is even truer if you are a follower of Christ. After all, following Jesus is literally declaring that you recognize your need for a savior.
And yet, hiding our sins and weaknesses is something every follower of Jesus wrestles with. We want people to think we are "good." We want people to think we are mature believers. We want people to think that we know what it looks like to follow Jesus faithfully.
If we aren't careful, we then turn into someone who has a hard time admitting what we first admitted when we started following Jesus; we are broken and in need of grace.
The reality is, those that are open and honest about their weaknesses and need for Jesus are often the most mature followers of Christ. We don't have it all together, that is why Jesus offers us his incredible mercy and grace. And the irony is that it is when we are real with our brokenness that is when others most see the beauty of who Jesus is, not when we pretend we have it all together.
2. God is only pleased with us when we do good things
If you are in Christ, one of the most amazing Truths (to me) is that God is delighted and pleased with you. This is something I easily doubt so often because I rarely measure up.
And yet, we see repeatedly throughout Scripture that the righteousness, delight, and inheritance that Jesus has before God the Father is transferred to all those who trust in him. In other words, God the Father looks at us the same way he does Christ; holy, blameless, and pure.
Not because we did anything to deserve it, but because we are His in Christ. This means that even when we sin or make mistakes or fall short, he still loves us.
Yes, Christians should pursue loving and honoring God and loving people, but even when we don't do these things as we should, he doesn't love us any less.
That's a pretty amazing and gracious God.
3. Vocational ministry is for the most faithful Christians
There is a tendency for us to assume that pastors, missionaries, and church staff are doing "the Lord's work" and everyone else, while still important, aren't holy enough to be "called" into ministry.
First, every believer is "called." How that plays out in one's day to day life differs, but every Christian is in ministry even if it isn't their paid vocation.
Second, the most faithful Christians are defined by their love for God and their love for others. When asked what was the most important command, that's exactly what Jesus said we were to do. Your job title doesn't guarantee that you are doing these things even if you happen to be a pastor.
There are no second class citizens in the Kingdom of God.
4. Our passions can't be used by God
Similar to the third point, God has given all of us different passions and desires. One of my favorite things to tell people is that I started a church and am a pastor because I wanted to. Yes, I do feel God lead me in this direction, but I also fully believe this leading coincided with the fact that I enjoy what I do.
The sense of fulfillment I get from preaching, for example, is no more "holy" than the fulfillment someone else might get from being a nurse or doctor. Or being a teacher or mentor. Or selling a product you believe in.
Whether your job aligns with your passions or desires, or it's a side hustle or even a hobby, God gave it to you and can use it for His good. Who knows the impact you could have if you viewed the things you enjoy as a way to love God and love others with.