Don’t mistake performance for intimacy.

The religious spirit is sneaky, it comes in the appearance of Holiness and Faith but wears the mask of performance and self-promotion. It doesn’t show up with horns and a pitchfork—it shows up wearing a suit, quoting scripture, and applauding your “faithfulness” while slowly pulling you away from your relationship with Christ, the Cornerstone of your Faith.

It’s not anti-God, it’s anti-intimacy. It doesn’t mind you doing for God—as long as you stop being with Him.

Let’s expose some of its favorite lies:

Lie #1: “You have to earn God's approval.”

Truth: “You already have it—through Jesus.”

This lie will have you hustling for the Father's affection when you're already seated at His table. You’ll burn out trying to impress a God who already proven you are a son or daughter of His, not by your works or performance-based merits, but by the sacrifice that Jesus endured on the cross.

📖 “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” – Galatians 3:3

Lie #2: “Your title defines your worth.”

Truth: “Identity comes before assignment.”

Apostle. Pastor. Prophet. Worship leader. Doesn’t matter what you’re called to if you forget who you are. Heaven doesn’t applaud your title—it celebrates your obedience.

📖 “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5:39-40

Lie #3: “It’s safer to follow man than the Holy Spirit.”

Truth: “The safest place is where He leads.”

The religious spirit teaches fear-based obedience. “Don’t rock the boat.” “Play it safe.” “Stay in line.” But following the Holy Spirit is supposed to make people uncomfortable, including you. Think on this revelatory nugget the Holy Spirit gave me years ago when I first started walking in Christ and in His Spirit: “The Holy Spirit is called ‘The Comforter’ for a reason. You must become uncomfortable on purpose for The Comforter to come in power and presence. He comes to help, comfort, and correct you as you begin to co-labor with Him.”

Jesus never played it safe. Why should you?

📖 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 

🙌🏻 Freedom Point:

Living in truth looks like this:

❤️ You serve because you are loved, not to be loved.

🙏🏻 You minister from the secret place, not for public approval.

🕊️ You obey the Spirit even if it costs you your platform, your circle, or your plans.

🔍 Reflection Question:

Where have I traded intimacy for performance?

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you. He always leads back to love, to Jesus.

If this stirred something in you, you’re not alone. Join the movement—follow the blog, and be on the lookout for the Jesus Reflection podcast coming soon! Also be sure to check out upcoming events. Let’s Make Earth Like Heaven—together.