Following Jesus isn’t about trying to earn God’s approval or working endlessly to stay in His good graces. Many of us fall into the trap of doing “all the right things” just to keep God and guilt at bay—but that’s not the gospel. Jesus didn’t call us to carry the burden of our sin forever. He called us to follow Him—into freedom, grace, and righteousness that He provides. You don’t have to earn it. You couldn't even if you wanted to. Christ exchanged your filthy rags for His righteousness. It's not about striving—it's about surrendering.