Here’s some questions to ask yourself when you don’t want to go somewhere or be at some event with family or friends-
1. Do I feel guilty for not going? (Spirit of condemnation)
2. Do I feel like I’ll miss out if I don’t go? (Spirit of lack)
Even going to church is a form of obligation. If you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t go to church, or that you won’t receive the spiritual food you need- it’s actually a form of guilt and condemnation.
That means Jesus isn’t enough for you.
If you want to go, yes, by all means go- but you shouldn’t go because you feel like you’ll miss out on something for not going.
Jesus already died on the cross for you to be enough.
I believe much of what “Christians” do actually come from guilt and obligation, not love or desire.
Desire should be at the root of everything we do.
Because it is God’s spirit that gives you the will and action to do.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
So if we are making decisions to do things out of guilt or maybe hoping if we do it we get what we want in return, it’s not God.
1. Do you have the will to do? Do you actually want to?
The religious spirit tells you you’re not allowed to have what you want until you do what God says.
It’s a works system that says you only deserve to have something because of your “obedience”. It’s like employee and employer.
You’re not an employee, you’re a daughter and son of God!
You don’t get paid by God for the hours you worked.
You’re a child of God that has everything God has and this also means you trust that God has your best in mind like a child trusts His papa. So you walk in alignment with Him when He speaks, it’s not to control you but to guide you.
Here’s an example of guilt versus desire. My mom asked me if I wanted to get hot pot and I said no I want pancakes and she said you should eat pancakes it has a lot of carbs.
She got mad that I didn’t want to go with her. I felt some guilt and thought maybe I should.
But then when I started writing this I realize it was guilt tripping me. I’m glad I decided to follow the desires of my heart this morning.
Consider giving to this ministry this Christmas! That people may be set from from guilt and condemnation through the materials I produce on Spotify, this blog and digital content. Thank you!
Rebekka Lien 