If you were to ask a non-Christian, “What’s not a part of the Christian life?” I imagine their answers would include fun, open-mindedness, and freedom as big no-nos — and that’s fair. Christians have given the Bible a bad rap. Sorry, on all our behalf. I reality, it’s not all that bad. As you understand the Bible more, you see that it’s not meant to be a buzzkill, but that it’s meant to guide you into a life of love and freedom! Here is how the Bible actually tells you how not to live your life.
1. Like you know it all
You make all the decisions. You’re top dog. You don’t need guidance. It’s all about you, baby.
The Bible has a lot to say about this. Things like “lean not on your own understanding,” (Proverbs 3:5) and “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). Bottom line: you’re great, truly, but you still need help and guidance. We weren’t made to be an island!
2. With constant couch-potato vibes
You’re just letting life happen to you and letting the laundry mountain grow. You’re not working towards anything, you’re just chillin’ all the time.
The Bible is actually pretty harsh about laziness. As it turns out, it really matters to God. Proverbs 26:15 describes a lazy person as putting their hand into a dish to get food, but being too lazy to bring it back up to their mouth. We were made to work. That’s not hustle/toxic productivity mindset, though! We were made to work in a way that is fulfilling, life-giving, and that works toward good.
3. Holding grudges
If you’re like me, you’d still fight that girl from second grade who made fun of your hair bow. For the sake of your testimony, there are some people you need to not see at the local Walmart.
But forgiveness is kind of a huge deal in the Bible (as in, Jesus dying on a cross to forgive us of every single wrong thing we’ve ever done and ever will do in the future). If we are forgiven by the Creator of the Universe, then we also can forgive in love and tenderheartedness (Eph. 4:32). It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And it’s not for them, it’s for you!
4. Expecting people (including yourself) to be perfect
Placing unfair expectations on others can kill our relationships. And putting those expectations on ourselves will kill our self-worth.
Even the “righteous” have still sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Nobody is perfect but Jesus — which is kind of His whole point. We strive to be better, sure, and the Holy Spirit continually makes Christians more like Jesus, but you’re not going to be perfect in this life. No one is, and so let that expectation go today!
5. Addicted to anything
Yes, this is even calling out our Diet Coke and TikTok addiction!!
The Bible doesn’t say “don’t drink” or “don’t do” a multitude of other things like eat junk food, go shopping, etc. It just says not to be “a slave” to anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). God wants us to be free not only from sin, but from ANYTHING that enslaves us in any way. We shouldn’t be depending on any material thing to get us through our day.
6. Not paying your taxes
Even if some of the billionaires skip out on it, and even if the paperwork is a headache.
Bet you didn’t know the Bible talked about taxes, did you? But Jesus Himself commands this (and encourages separation of church and state) in one sentence: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21).
7. Forgetting to enjoy nature
We have a lot of reasons to not go outside. Because it’s hot. Or it’s cold. Or red wasps (my personal irrational fear).
But the world was made to be enjoyed and admired! The Bible even says that nature can teach us more about God (Romans 1:20). Also, while we love a good bed rot, your bedroom air is probably stale. Go get some fresh oxygen and some vitamin D.
8. Blindly following trends
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“It’s just what everyone is doing.” … “If all your friends jump off a cliff, will you jump, too?” Sorry, I know that was an unneeded callback to high school.
But your mom may have had a point. At the very least, the Bible agrees with her. Romans 12:2 urges us to use discernment, to not conform to the pattern of the world. This may not apply to things like leggings as pants, but it is a good reminder to look at the people around us, and to examine how they might influence our behavior for better or worse.
9. Always putting yourself first
This is a me-first, self-care first culture we live in today. And don’t get me wrong: there is ABSOLUTELY a place for that. We shouldn’t be making ourselves into doormats and pouring from empty cups.
But the Bible makes it clear that we should be looking out for the interests of others, too (Philippians 2:4). We should be outdoing one another (Romans 12:10) in affection and kindness! Imagine what our relationships would look like if we tried to outdo one another like this!
10. Forgetting the less fortunate
We’ve all walked a little faster past the Santa with the bucket and the bell. Or even changed the station during certain radio-thons because it’s the most heartbreaking thing you’ve ever heard, and you cannot walk into work with mascara on your chin.
If you’re a Christian, though, helping others is a pretty basic requirement. It’s part of the “pure and undefiled religion” in James 1:27. It’s a core tenet of Jesus’ message and purpose (Isaiah 61:1). That doesn’t mean you have to spend every Saturday at the soup kitchen, but caring for and meeting the needs of others should be a regular rhythm in your life.
11. Drinking only water
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Can we tag those people that brag about their no caffeine, water only lifestyle? Because God is not on board, friend!
Paul tells Timothy, “Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23). Okay, so, in context, this is likely referring to some specific issues of Timothy’s. But Paul was a big deal, and so if Paul says you can drink other things (like wine), I’m doing it. But remember #5. Just don’t be a slave to anything. Even water.
12. Not being around other people
Insert distant sounds of sobbing introverts here.
Look, no one is saying you have to be at every Saturday brunch, volunteer at every church event, or that alone time isn’t important. Jesus was actually very into alone time! However, fellowship and intentional time together was central to the early church (Acts 2:42). It’s important to be around others that strengthen you in your faith.
13. Being judgmental
Yes, you can still watch Judge Judy do the judging. We’re not coming for her.
Look, there’s a place for Christians to GENTLY address sin in the lives of other Christians (Galatians 6:1). But we shouldn’t be judging and looking down on people (Matthew 7:1-3). Especially non-Christians who don’t live by the same “rules” as we do.
14. Not living out your beliefs
I mean yeah, you live out some of them. You probably believe murder is wrong and you probably don’t murder anyone.
But what about the smaller things? Do you believe we shouldn’t gossip, but you’re the first to spill the tea? Do you believe we should show grace to others, but maybe you lost it on your underpaid secretary this morning? The Bible actually doesn’t say “Actions speak louder than words,” but it DOES say “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Same concept, with a lot more weight.
15. Partaking in self-destructive behavior
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Even though “bad for you” can be really fun, or looks extraordinarily good in gray sweatpants…
God wants good things for you! He doesn’t tell you not to get blackout drunk (Ephesians 5:18) or to stay away from the jawline with the anger issues (Proverbs 22:24) because He doesn’t want you to have fun. He says that because both these situations (and others) could really get you hurt. He gives us boundaries for our own good (Deuteronomy 30:16).
16. Worrying about the future
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I have a tendency to worry about everything from “Am I walking weird?” to “How will we ever afford college for our kids?” And let me tell you, it’s not done me any good yet, but that’s not God’s will for us. He wants us to stop the worrying and trust Him to take care of us (Philippians 4:6-7). He’s not a God of chaos, He’s a God of peace, love, and power (2 Timothy 1:7), and that’s what He wants for you and me.
The Bible isn’t just a rule book. It’s a book about a God who wants to help people live free from sin, shame, and fear. It’s about a God who wants us to know we are cared for, worthy, and loved beyond belief!
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