The gospel is for the defeated, not the dominant.

Don't get me wrong - what we do is important. But it is infinitely less important than what Jesus has done for us.

Unfortunately, some Christians are guilty of throwing out an equivalent sentiment when they play the "God is sovereign" card as a way to trump every evil that comes your way.

Performancism is the mindset that equates our identity and value directly with our performance and accomplishments.

God is not interested in what you think you should be or feel. He is not interested in the narrative you have construct for yourself, or that others have construct for you. He may even use suffering to deconstruct that narrative.

When the Christian faith becomes defined by who we are and what we do and not by who Christ is and what he did for us, we miss the gospel - and we, ironically, become more disobedient.

Thankfully, while our self-righteousness reaches far, God's grace reaches farther.