One of the books on my summer reading list is Room for Good Things to Run Wild by Josh Nadeau. I’m about a third into it and I’m captivated, highly recommend. There’s one line in particular that has captured my attention:
“I was given a burden of guilt with no path to Life.”
That phrase has stuck with me, because I believe it resonates with many Christians, whether they’d say it out loud or not. I’ve seen it. I’ve heard the stories. People sitting in church pews every week, carrying a weight of shame or performance-based faith, but with no clear picture of how to step into the freedom Jesus offers.
When Faith Feels Heavy
For some, Christianity feels like a to-do list: be better, serve more, pray harder, don’t mess up. And while spiritual disciplines are good and necessary, they are never meant to be the point. If we’re not careful, the way we teach or the tone we set in our churches can unintentionally suggest that God’s love is earned by effort, not freely received by grace.
Jesus spoke directly to this when He said:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus’ invitation is clear: He offers rest, not more weight. But how often do our teaching, our systems, or even our casual conversations reflect that reality? Are we showing people the path to life or just telling them to try harder?
Are We Pointing People to Life?
As a church leader, I think about this often. Are we teaching people how to rest in Jesus, to find life in Him, or are we simply piling on expectations that appear spiritual but lack genuine grace?
- Are our sermons filled with practical steps but short on hope and gospel truth?
- Are we unintentionally shaming people for their struggles instead of pointing them to the Saviour who carries our burdens?
- Are we so focused on what Christians should be doing that we forget to tell them what Christ has already done?
When we emphasize rules without relationship, or service without the joy of knowing Jesus, we create a faith that’s exhausting instead of life-giving.
To Those Who Feel the Weight
If you’re reading this and you feel like your faith is mostly guilt, shame, or pressure, I want you to hear this clearly: that’s not the gospel. That’s not the way of Jesus.
The gospel is Good News! Freedom News! Jesus came to take your guilt, not heap more on your shoulders. He doesn’t say “Earn my love.” He says, “Come to me and rest.”
To the Church
Let’s be careful about the way we lead, teach, and disciple. Let’s create space for honesty and vulnerability instead of performance. Let’s make sure we’re not just telling people what not to do, but showing them how to step into the joy and abundance that life with Jesus offers.
Because if our teaching only gives people guilt without the path to life, we’ve missed the heart of the gospel.
An Invitation
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). That’s the invitation. Not just survival. Not just “trying harder.” But life, deep, overflowing, grace-filled life.
If you’ve been carrying a heavy burden, take some time today to sit with Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30. Ask Him what He wants to carry for you. Ask Him to teach you His rhythm of grace and rest.
Church, let’s never forget: our job is not to pile burdens on, but to lead people to the One who lifts them off.
The Introverted Pastor 