In some ways, there is nothing wrong with pushing to do better and try harder. The problem is that we can easily slip into the mindset that God has done the work of saving us, and the rest is up to us. We act as if he starts the work, but we must finish it.
We live in a world where there is constant pressure to perform, work hard, succeed at everything, and have it all together. The constant push to do better and try harder is exhausting and often leads to frustration and burnout. Our jobs, schools, and relationships are continually exerting pressure to perform. Even when we are killing time on the web and social media, we are bombarded with comparison.
In some ways, there is nothing wrong with pushing to do better and try harder. The problem is that we can easily slip into the mindset that God has done the work of saving us, and the rest is up to us. We act as if he starts the work, but we must finish it. The work of becoming like Jesus has not been passed to us to do. The most important skill every Christian should learn is how to return to the gospel everyday, not for salvation, but for spiritual growth and learning.
Your spiritual life will either be like a rowboat or a sailboat. A rowboat is powered by your own labor and sweat. Your job is simply to get to work. A sailboat, on the other hand, is powered by the wind. Your job is to figure out where the wind is blowing and set the sails. The problem is, if you live without resting in the performance of Jesus, you will undoubtedly rest in your own performance. This leads to damaging consequences whether you fail or succeed. If you fail, you will be tempted toward self-condemnation and discouragement. If you succeed, you will be tempted toward thinking much of yourself and looking down on others that don’t have it together in the area of your success. The gospel raises us up from self-condemnation and brings us down from pride and arrogance.
