Tag: truth

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Can a Man Impress God?

Let’s be real—have you ever tried to impress someone? Maybe a crush, a boss, or that overly spiritual brother in church who prays in King James English. You go out of your way, adjusting your behavior, choosing your words carefully, maybe even throwing in a dramatic “God bless you, my brother!” to sound extra holy.

But what about God? Can we impress Him?

What Does It Even Mean to Impress God?

Impressing someone usually means doing something that makes them go, “Wow!” So, can we do something so remarkable that God, the One who created galaxies with a whisper, looks at us and says, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming”?

Well… not exactly.

1. God is Not a Man

First off, God isn’t human. He isn’t moved by human standards of “impressive.” You could pray for ten hours straight, fast for 40 days, and still, your righteousness is described as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Compared to His perfection, our best efforts don’t make Him raise an eyebrow.

Think about it:

  • Solomon built a temple so glorious people traveled from distant lands to see it. Did God go, “Wow, Solomon, I’m speechless!”? No, instead, He said, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me?” (Isaiah 66:1). Basically: “Nice temple, Solomon, but I own the universe.”
  • Job was the most righteous man of his time, yet when he finally encountered God, all he could do was repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:5-6).

2. But… God DOES Delight in Us

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Even though we can’t impress God in the way we impress people, we CAN please Him. There are things that delight God:

Faith:

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God”

(Hebrews 11:6)

A Humble Heart:

“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit”

(Isaiah 66:2)

Obedience:

“To obey is better than sacrifice”

(1 Samuel 15:22)

In other words, God isn’t impressed by our efforts but by our heart posture. It’s like a little child drawing a crayon picture for their father. The father isn’t impressed by the artistic skill (because, let’s be honest, it’s mostly scribbles), but he treasures it because it came from love.

3. So, Should We Stop Trying?

Some people might say, “If I can’t impress God, what’s the point of striving for righteousness?” But that’s the wrong question. We don’t pursue holiness to impress God; we do it because we love Him. Just like a husband doesn’t try to “impress” his wife by buying flowers—he does it because he loves her.

Paul says,

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”

(Philippians 3:12)

It’s not about impressing God; it’s about growing closer to Him.

Final Thoughts: What Actually Moves God?

A broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
Genuine faith, like that of the centurion (Matthew 8:10).
True worship, not performance (John 4:23-24).

So, can a man impress God? No. But can he touch God’s heart? Absolutely. Not by showing off, but by surrendering. That’s the paradox of the Christian life—the greatest way to “impress” God is to stop trying and start trusting.

Now Over to You:

Have you ever tried to impress God? What do you think truly delights Him? Drop a comment and let’s talk!

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“Can I Be a Christian and Still Have Mental Health Struggles?”

Breaking the Stigma, Finding Biblical Encouragement, and Practical Steps Forward

“You Just Need More Faith…” 🤦🏽‍♂️

Ever heard this before? Someone opens up about their anxiety, depression, or burnout, and instead of getting real support, they’re met with:

  • “Just pray more.”
  • “Read your Bible, and you’ll feel better.”
  • “Maybe you need to fast and cast out that spirit.”

While prayer and Scripture are powerful (and essential!), they’re not magic pills that erase mental health struggles overnight. But in many Christian communities, the stigma around mental health is so strong that struggling believers feel ashamed, weak, or even unspiritual for battling issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

So let’s talk about it. Can you love Jesus and still struggle mentally? Let’s unpack this with truth, grace, and practical wisdom.

1. Breaking the Stigma: Why Do Christians Struggle to Accept Mental Health Issues?

Many Christians believe that being saved means living in total peace, joy, and victory. So when someone struggles emotionally or mentally, the assumption is often:

✅ “They don’t trust God enough.”
✅ “They must have unconfessed sin.”
✅ “This is a spiritual attack.”

While spiritual factors can play a role, mental health is not just a spiritual issue—it’s a whole-person issue. Just like Christians can get physically sick, they can also experience emotional and psychological struggles.

Why Do We Struggle to Accept This?

  1. Misinterpretation of Scripture 📖
    • Verses like “Do not be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:6) are often taken to mean that all anxiety is sinful, rather than recognizing that Paul was encouraging people to bring their struggles to God in trust.
  2. Fear of Weakness 😔
    • Many believe that admitting mental health struggles makes them appear spiritually weak. But Paul himself said, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
  3. Over-Spiritualization of Everything 🙏🏽
    • While spiritual warfare is real, not every mental health struggle is a demon that needs to be cast out. Sometimes, it’s trauma. Sometimes, it’s brain chemistry. Sometimes, it’s just being human in a broken world.

2. Biblical Encouragement: Does the Bible Acknowledge Mental Struggles?

Absolutely! The Bible is full of godly people who battled deep emotional pain:

  • Elijah – This mighty prophet literally asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).
  • David – Read the Psalms, and you’ll see a man who wrestled with deep sorrow (Psalm 42:11, Psalm 88:3-4).
  • Job – After losing everything, Job wished he had never been born (Job 3:11).
  • Paul – He described being “utterly burdened beyond strength” to the point of despair (2 Corinthians 1:8).
  • Jesus – In the Garden of Gethsemane, He said “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38).

If even Jesus experienced deep emotional distress, how can we say that mental struggles mean someone lacks faith?

3. Practical Steps: How Faith and Mental Health Can Coexist

Since mental health struggles are real, how do we walk through them as believers?

A. Acknowledge and Accept Reality

✅ It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling.
✅ It doesn’t make you less of a Christian.
✅ It doesn’t mean you’re failing spiritually.

Denying reality only deepens the struggle. Instead, bring it into the light.

B. Seek Wise Counsel

  • God can work through pastors, therapists, and counselors.
  • Therapy isn’t a lack of faith; it’s wisdom. Even Solomon said, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
  • If you broke your leg, would you refuse a doctor and just “pray it away”? No! The same goes for mental health.

C. Stay in Community

  • Isolation makes struggles worse. Stay connected to people who will remind you of truth, encourage you, and walk with you.
  • Find safe Christians who won’t judge but will support.

D. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

  • Sleep well, eat well, exercise, and take breaks.
  • Even Elijah needed food and rest before he could hear God clearly again (1 Kings 19:5-7).

E. Keep Seeking God

  • Sometimes, in deep struggles, prayer feels impossible. But even in the silence, God is near (Psalm 34:18).
  • Be honest with God. Cry out to Him, like David did in the Psalms.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

Being a Christian doesn’t mean living a problem-free life. It means having Christ with you through every struggle.

So, if you’re battling anxiety, depression, or any other mental health struggle, know this:

  • You are not alone.
  • You are not a failure.
  • God is not disappointed in you.

Jesus isn’t standing at a distance, shaking His head at you. He’s with you, walking beside you, holding you up, and leading you through.

So let’s break the stigma. Let’s be a Church where people can be honest about their struggles without fear. Because mental health struggles don’t mean you lack faith—they just mean you’re human, and God loves you in every season.

Now, Let’s Talk…

What has your experience been like in Christian circles regarding mental health? Have you felt supported, or have you faced judgment? Let’s break the silence—drop your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇🏽

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Speaking Up Without Losing Your Faith: When to Talk, When to Stay Silent, and How to Say No with Grace

Some people think being a Christian means being a doormat. That we must swallow insults, tolerate nonsense, and say yes to anything—just to “keep the peace.”

But let’s be real. Jesus was not a people-pleaser. He was kind, but He wasn’t “nice” in the worldly sense. He corrected. He rebuked. He set boundaries. And He still managed to walk in love.

So, what do you do when:

  • Someone speaks to you anyhow?
  • People take you for granted?
  • A leader asks you to do something that’s against your values?

Do you just smile and endure? Or do you speak up?

Let’s talk.

1. When People Disrespect You: To Clap Back or Not?

We all have that one person who loves to test our patience. Maybe it’s that colleague who talks down on you, the relative who always has something rude to say, or the friend who constantly takes you for granted.

Now, let’s be clear: Swallowing disrespect is not the same as humility.

Jesus was humble, but He was not a pushover. He didn’t just let people talk to Him anyhow. When the Pharisees tried to trap Him, He shut them down with wisdom (Luke 20:20-26). When Peter tried to rebuke Him, Jesus corrected him sharply (Mark 8:33).

So, yes—you can and should speak up. But how?

Instead of insulting back, try this: 

“I’d appreciate it if you spoke to me with respect, just as I do to you.”

Instead of keeping quiet and feeling bitter, try this:

 “I don’t like how that sounded. Can we try again?”

It’s not about pride. It’s about boundaries. You can be firm without being rude.

2. When Leaders Ask You to Do What’s Wrong

This one is trickier. What if it’s your pastor, boss, or mentor asking you to do something that goes against God’s will?

You don’t want to be disrespectful, but you also don’t want to disobey God.

Look at David. Saul was his king, but when Saul started acting crazy, David refused to dishonor him—but he also refused to obey his madness (1 Samuel 24:6).

So, what’s the balance?

✔ Respect their position, but obey God first. If what they’re asking you to do is wrong, say no—but say it with humility.
✔ Honor does not mean silence. If you disagree, voice your concerns respectfully. You don’t have to embarrass them.

Try this:

“Sir/Ma, I deeply respect you, but I can’t do this because it goes against my beliefs.”
“I appreciate all you’ve done for me, but my conscience won’t allow me to take this step.”

Simple. Clear. Respectful. But firm.

3. Saying No Without Feeling Guilty

Ever felt bad for saying no? Like, “Maybe I should have just obeyed, so they don’t feel bad”?

That’s manipulation talking.

The Bible says we should “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). That means:
✔ Be clear (no need to dance around the issue).
✔ Be gentle (no need for insults).
✔ Be firm (no need to apologize for doing the right thing).

If someone is taking you for granted, using you, or leading you away from God’s path, speak up. But do it in a way that reflects Christ—strong, but full of grace.

Final Thoughts

Being a Christian doesn’t mean letting people walk over you. It means walking in wisdom. Knowing when to speak, when to stay silent, and when to say no with grace.

So, have you ever had to say no to a leader? How did you handle it? Or have you ever spoken up against disrespect without losing your peace?

Let’s talk in the comments!

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Faith in Action or Just an Excuse?

Let’s be honest… have you ever said, “I’m just waiting on God” when, deep down, you were actually just avoiding something?

Be real with yourself.

📌 Didn’t prepare for the interview? “God will make a way.”
📌 Know you should apologize but don’t want to? “God understands my heart.”
📌 Keep pushing off that difficult decision? “I’m praying about it.”
📌 Haven’t even started on that dream? “I’m waiting for confirmation.”

Sounds spiritual, right? Except… what if God is actually waiting on YOU?

🔥 Moses tried this. Faced with the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army behind him, he cried out to God. You’d think God would respond with some divine encouragement, right? Nope.

“Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on!”

(Exodus 14:15)

Read that again.

MOVE. ON.

Faith is NOT passive.

Faith is Noah building the ark before he saw a single raindrop.
Faith is David picking up stones before he faced Goliath.
Faith is Peter stepping out before he walked on water.

Some of us want miracles, but we’re too afraid to move.

We sit and wait, asking God to do something, while God is asking us to do something.

Yes, God opens doors—but will you actually walk through them?

So here’s the real question: Is your waiting truly faith? Or is it fear disguised as faith?

What’s one thing you’ve been “leaving to God” that He’s actually asking you to act on?

Let’s talk in the comments. 🔥

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🔥 “Nicety Is Not a Fruit of the Spirit” – When Being ‘Too Nice’ Becomes a Problem for Christians

You ever met one of those Christians who would rather let someone walk all over them than risk seeming unkind? The kind that says “God bless you” even when they’re being scammed? The ones who smile through gritted teeth while someone blatantly disrespects them, thinking this is what Jesus meant by turning the other cheek?

Well… let’s talk about it.

Because somewhere along the line, we’ve confused Christlike kindness with spineless people-pleasing. And spoiler alert—they’re not the same thing.

The Problem With Being ‘Too Nice’

Christianity calls us to be kind, but not to be doormats. Jesus was love in human form, but He also flipped tables, called out hypocrisy, and spoke truth even when it made people uncomfortable.

So, why do we act like being nice is the ultimate Christian virtue, even when it comes at the cost of truth, boundaries, or even obedience to God?

Here’s the thing:

  • Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). But nowhere in the Bible is niceness listed as a virtue.
  • Jesus was kind, but He was also bold, direct, and unafraid to offend when necessary. He called the Pharisees “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27), flipped tables in the temple (John 2:15), and even told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23).
  • There’s a difference between being loving and being afraid of conflict. Some Christians avoid speaking the truth because they don’t want to seem harsh. But truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is mere sentimentality.

Why Do Some Christians Struggle With This?

  1. Misinterpreting “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39). Jesus wasn’t saying, let people abuse you forever. He was teaching against revenge, not against standing up for righteousness.
  2. Fear of rejection. Many believers equate being accepted by people with being approved by God. But the truth? Pleasing God often means displeasing some people.
  3. Cultural conditioning. Some churches push an image of Jesus as a soft-spoken, always-smiling, never-confrontational guy. But the real Jesus? He had grace and grit.

The Balance: Love, But With Backbone

So, what’s the alternative? How do we walk the line between being Christlike and not being a people-pleaser?

  • Be kind, but truthful. Love doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
  • Set boundaries. Jesus withdrew from crowds, said “no” at times, and prioritized His mission over people’s expectations.
  • Don’t mistake passivity for patience. Being slow to anger doesn’t mean never standing up for what’s right.

Final Thought: Jesus Wasn’t ‘Nice’—He Was Good

Niceness avoids discomfort.
Niceness values approval over truth.
Niceness bows to pressure instead of standing in conviction.

But Jesus? He wasn’t just nice—He was GOOD. And being good sometimes means saying ‘no,’ speaking up, and refusing to compromise truth for the sake of peace.

So, maybe it’s time we stop obsessing over being nice and start focusing on being Christlike instead.

What do you think? Have you ever struggled with people-pleasing in the name of Christianity? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️

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