Spiritual disciplines—reading the Bible, prayer, fellowship in the church—are essential parts of the Christian life. But their purpose is often misunderstood. Some see them as duties to check off, efforts to maintain their standing with God, or worse, as a way to earn His favor. When approached this way, these practices become lifeless routines, burdens to bear rather than channels of grace.

Yet, for those who are in Christ, these are not works to gain acceptance but avenues through which we abide in the love that is already ours. The difference is everything. One approach turns faith into labor; the other turns it into life. One is driven by fear and obligation; the other by love and delight.

The gospel declares that we are accepted in Christ, not by our efforts but by His finished work. There is nothing to earn, nothing to prove. But in the joy of this acceptance, we seek Him—not to achieve standing before God, but to enjoy the standing we already have. Just as a branch does not strive to attach itself to the vine but simply abides and bears fruit, so we remain in Him, drawing life from His Spirit.

This is why Paul urges, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16, BSB). It is not by human effort that we put sin to death, but by staying near to the One who has conquered it. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest—do not come by self-discipline alone, but as the natural result of abiding in Christ.

Are your spiritual practices avenues of grace or burdens of duty? Do you seek God as a response to His love, or as an attempt to secure it? The difference is not small. It is the difference between law and grace, striving and resting, self-effort and Spirit-led transformation.

Jesus invites us, “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me” (John 15:4, BSB). Rest in Him, seek Him, and let His life produce in you what no mere discipline ever could.

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Inspired by Ed Ross. Written by Moe Bergeron