Don't Worry T-Shirt

Why did that shirt stress me out?

I walked past someone the other day who was wearing a t-shirt that had printed on the front of it a list of great, positive, uplifting life advice. It was a long list of statements like "Don't worry", "Be kind", "Respect and love others", and so on.

It affirmed some really great virtues.

But as I glanced down this list, I actually felt a sense of burden, because if this was the path to the virtuous, caring, and positive life, then I had a lot of rules to observe.

I want these things for my family. As a mother, I yearn for this list to define my children's lives.

Yet, the t-shirt attempted to be positive, but in the end, it felt like it pointed out a lot of flaws. Especially my own as a mother.

This contrasts with Jesus, who came not bringing lots of laws, but came with grace and peace and offers freedom...freedom from laws, so we can live trusting Him and live free from worry and live a full life of grace.

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16, ESV)

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. (Romans 11:6, ESV)