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Breaking the Chains of Performance, Comparison, and Condemnation
Published November 4, 2025
Freedom in Christ is a beautiful gift we’ve been given through grace as part of our identity in Him—but it’s something we must actively choose every day.
In Exodus, after God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they longed to return to slavery when the journey to the Promised Land became difficult. Centuries later, the believers in Galatia did the same—they had been set free by Jesus’ grace yet were slipping back into spiritual slavery, trying to earn God’s approval through performance.
If we’re honest, we do the same things. Though Jesus has set us free, we often fall into traps of performance, comparison, and condemnation.
1. The Trap of Performance
We crave proof that we’re good enough. Even after we put our faith in Christ, the enemy twists our desire for approval by sowing seeds of doubt: “How do you know you’re really saved?”
We start to look at our lives and behaviors to answer him but because our flawed human nature means we’ll never be “good enough” on our own, he begins to pick us apart—reminding us of every way we fall short of being perfect Christians. “You didn’t start your day with prayer.” “You responded to that annoying colleague in anger.”
We try to compensate by running ourselves ragged—attending every service, volunteering for every opportunity, pushing ourselves to meet expectations. And when we fail (because we will,) despair follows.
2. The Trap of Comparison
Like the Israelites looking back toward Egypt, we look at others—what they post, how they serve, how God seems to bless them. We feel left out, overlooked, or inadequate. Bitterness creeps in, and we block the Spirit from cultivating love and joy in our hearts.
Instead of the abundant life Jesus came to give us, the enemy uses comparison to keep us miserable.
3. The Trap of Condemnation
Perhaps his cruelest trap is shame: “God might forgive others, but not you.” Believing this lie keeps us from living boldly for God’s Kingdom–which is Satan’s ultimate goal.
Stand Firm in the Freedom Christ Gave You
Paul’s words in Galatians 5:1 are both a warning and an invitation: Stand firm in your freedom.
- Performance asks: “Am I doing enough?” The gospel says: “Christ did everything. It is finished.”
- Comparison asks: “How do I measure up?” The gospel says: “You are uniquely made and called.”
- Condemnation asks: “Does my past disqualify me?” The gospel says: “Christ’s blood covers it all. There is now no condemnation for those in Him.”
Every form of bondage is self-focused; every form of freedom is Christ-focused.
In chapter three of her book, “Identity: The Lies We Believe,” Gaylyn Kelly shares some rhythms you can incorporate into your life to help lean into the identity Christ has given you instead of picking up the old chains of bondage:
- Begin each morning with surrender and gratitude. Gratitude cultivates joy and fights off comparison.
- Pray simple “breath prayers” throughout your day: “Lord Jesus, here’s my heart.” This will remind you that who you are has nothing to do with you and everything to do with Christ.
- Ask yourself: “Am I living from love—or for love?” This will reveal to you if any of your actions are performance based or if they’re an overflow of the Spirit’s work in you.
- Take time to rest and reflect, noticing where you might drift back into old patterns.
- Abide in God’s Word so you can declare His truth over the enemy’s lies.
These rhythms aren’t about earning worth—they help you stay connected to the One who already made you worthy. God sees you as His beloved child, washed clean and fully free.
You’ve been set free. Completely. Stand firm in your freedom.
This post is inspired by the third message of our “Identity” sermon series by Dr. Jody Ray. Dive deeper into how God sees you and what that means for your life by ordering a copy of Gaylyn Kelly’s book, “Identity: The Lies We Believe.”