Gospel Not Glow Up

Glow-up culture.
It’s everywhere.

Work on yourself. Elevate. Find your truth. Vibrate higher. Manifest Energy. Align with the Universe. Live your best life.

Even in Christian spaces, we’ve picked up the same language.

Books that teach us to live a fulfilled life.
Sermons that preach a prosperity doctrine.
One of the best-selling Christian books of all time is titled "Your Best Life Now"; truthfully, it struck a chord with millions.

And honestly? We sing the glow-up message, too.
Songs about rising higher, moving forward, and becoming a better person.
I’ve sung them. I’ve meant them. And I love many of them.
Because wanting to grow isn’t wrong, right?
And ‘Elevation’ Worship? Still one of my favorites.

But sometimes even our worship songs are more about I and me, than He and Him.

And when I sit with the actual words in red, I see something more profound.
Jesus didn’t talk much about leveling up.
He spoke about kneeling and dying to self. He mentioned a life of service and that the least in His kingdom will be the greatest.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ Matthew 16:24

He didn’t say chase your dreams.
He said, ‘Follow Me’.
He didn’t promise a promotion.
He promised a cross.

That doesn’t sound very ‘Glow-up” to me.

Maybe I don’t need more self-help?
Maybe I need more self-death?

My help comes from Him, not from my own strength.

Maybe I should just give all my broken parts to Jesus?
He can create something far more beautiful than I could ever hope to.

#FirstLightwithNate #GospelNotGlowUp #DenyYourself #CrucifiedWithChrist #SurrenderWins #FaithOverSelf

If this encouraged you, would you share it with one friend who might need it too?