As either current or former followers of Jesus, there were likely moments of pressure to constantly prove our devotion. This need to validate our faith can lead to anxiety, grappling with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and not measuring up.
I want to share a couple of personal examples of how this toxic notion created so much internal havoc.
Guilt
One example that highlights the challenges of proving our faith is the movie “God’s Not Dead.” In one scene the audience was encouraged to text the line “God’s Not Dead” to all their phone contacts. This request, although seemingly harmless, can cause immense guilt and anxiety. Particularly individuals who may not feel comfortable or ready to share their faith in such a public manner.
I vividly recall watching that scene and feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. The pressure to text that message to everyone I knew felt suffocating. The fear of being judged for not taking a stand for my faith consumed me. At a later date, watching this movie with Chrissy, I projected my own insecurities when she also didn’t want to send this text. I questioned her devotion, and even questioned whether I wanted to be with someone who wouldn’t publicly share their faith.
I later regretted this, learning that this was not about her faith but my own fear and insecurity. We both began to learn the harmful and unattainable notions that had been instilled in us.
Dying for Jesus
Another aspect that often exacerbated many people’s need to prove their faith is the idea of being willing to die for Jesus. While this notion is undoubtedly significant, it can be twisted into a measure of our faithfulness or the lack of. The fear of not being strong enough or devoted enough to make such a sacrifice can lead to constant self-doubt and anxiety.
We would pray for the martyrs of the world where being a Christian was a real threat to your life. However they were spoken about as though they were somehow more holy than you or I. They were the gold standard of being a Christian – imagine that kind of pressure; that you had to be so strong and so devoted that your life needed to be meaningless to prove it.
The Salvation Prayer
Many of us have experienced the salvation prayer; sometimes its at every service or maybe you only saw it happen at a conference or rally, regardless of how often you were met with this opportunity many of us were also met with gut wrenching fear. “What if I have done something since I last prayed it that somehow voided my salvation” this was a common thought for me when the opportunity arose to pledge my life to Jesus; fearing that I had not done enough to secure my place in heaven or that I had lost it through my lack of devotion.
This unending cycle of feeling like a failure in our faith, always questioning our thoughts, actions, and prayers, can create a constant state of anxiety and trauma. It felt like my faith was a checklist or a series of tasks to prove ourselves.
Moving Forward
In our quest to prove our faith, it is crucial to recognise the toll it can take on our mental and emotional well-being. The pressure to constantly measure up, to always be “enough” in our religious practices, can lead to trauma and anxiety.
However, it is important to remember that our worth as individuals is not tied solely to our religious beliefs or our ability to prove them. Instead of seeking validation from external sources, focus on cultivating self-compassion and self-acceptance. Understand that it is okay to have doubts and questions, and that our faith journeys are unique and personal. Surround yourself with a supportive community that embraces authenticity and encourages personal growth.
Remember, your worth as an individual is not contingent upon how well you adhere to a set of religious expectations. Embrace your own spirituality, explore different perspectives, and find what resonates with you. Seek out resources and support systems that can help you navigate the challenges of trauma and anxiety, such as therapy.
Ultimately, our journey toward self-acceptance and inner peace is a lifelong process. Let go of the need to constantly prove yourself, and instead focus on finding peace within yourself, embracing your own values, and living authentically. You are deserving of love, acceptance, and understanding, just as you are.
I speak about these concepts and more over on my Instagram – come and say hi!