5 Lies to Reject as You Begin to Follow Christ
Spotting the beliefs that sabotage spiritual growth.
Every disciple begins somewhere. Often, it's with a mix of awe, joy, questions, and quiet fears. But as you start your walk with Jesus, not everything you hear—inside your head or from the world around you—will be true. Some voices will try to distort what it means to follow Christ. Some lies will feel true simply because they’re familiar or comforting. But they are still lies.
Here are five lies I’ve had to confront and unlearn as I’ve followed Jesus for over 30 years. The earlier you can recognize and reject these in your discipleship walk with Christ, the better. Doing so will help you walk in grace and freedom.
Lie #1: You have to be perfect now that you’re a Christian
This lie sneaks in quickly, especially if you want to honour God. You start to believe that every mistake is a sign of failure, will impair your witness to others, or that struggling means your faith isn't real. But the truth is that following Jesus is not about arriving fully formed. It is about being shaped day by day through his grace.
"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
— Philippians 1:6
God does not expect perfection. He asks for faithfulness and trust in His ongoing work within you. When you mess up—lose your temper, skip a quiet time, or slip back into an old habit—pause, acknowledge it honestly, and remind yourself: “This doesn’t disqualify me. I’m still in process. Jesus is still working in me.”
Instead of spiraling into shame or pretending you’re fine, bring it to God, ask for forgiveness, and do the next right thing. Let moments of failure become invitations to deeper trust, not proof that you don’t belong.
Lie #2: If I believe the right things, that’s enough
This one is tricky because believing the truth about Jesus is essential. But it’s possible to agree with Christian ideas and still miss the life Jesus invites us into. He calls us not only to believe, but to follow.
"Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."
— 1 John 2:6
Discipleship is more than affirming statements of faith. It is a new way of living, shaped by Jesus’ example and led by his Spirit. Try approaching your day not just to get things done, but as someone apprenticed to Jesus.
Slow down.
Pay attention.
Let him shape you.
Seek to bless God and others along the way.
Lie #3: I can do this on my own
Culturally, we tend to valourize independence and self-sufficiency. That mindset can follow us into our spiritual lives, making us believe we don’t really need others. But the truth is that spiritual maturity grows best in community. We are not meant to follow Jesus in a way that silos us from others.
"Let us not give up meeting together... but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
— Hebrews 10:25
God works through other people to strengthen, refine, and encourage us. Isolation may feel easier, but it will eventually stunt your growth. Build a network of trusted Christian friends and mentors who will encourage and support you in your journey.
Lie #4: Struggles mean I’m doing something wrong
There were times early in my faith when life got harder, not easier. I wondered if I had taken a wrong turn or been unfaithful in some unknown but consequential way. But struggle is not always a sign of failure. In fact, when you begin to follow Jesus, you are learning to live in a new way. That often brings internal tension and external resistance.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."
— 1 Peter 4:12
Jesus never promised an easy road. He promised His presence in every step, and the strength to persevere when the way is difficult. When life feels heavy or confusing, don’t rush to assume you’ve done something wrong or that faith isn’t “working.” Instead, ask: “What might God be forming in me through this? What can I learn about God and myself in this?”
Bring your struggle into honest prayer. Talk to a trusted friend or mentor. Rather than pulling away from Jesus, lean in and trust that difficulty isn’t always a detour, but often part of the path of spiritual transformation and maturity.
Lie #5: Jesus exists to help me achieve my goals
This one often sounds spiritual. You may hear it in phrases like, “God just wants me to be happy,” or “He’s opening doors for my dreams.” The danger is that it keeps you at the center of your story and treats Jesus like a means to your end.
"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?"
— Luke 6:46
Jesus is not an accessory to your life plan. He is Lord. Following him means surrendering your own agenda and receiving something far better: a life rooted in his kingdom, shaped by his love, and sustained by his grace.
When you’re making plans or chasing dreams, pause and ask: “Am I inviting Jesus into my story, or am I surrendering to His?” Begin each day by offering your hopes, goals, and decisions to God. Pray, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Ask Jesus to reshape your desires instead of just helping you accomplish them. And then trust that his path, even when unexpected, leads to deeper joy and purpose.
A Final Encouragement: Truth will steady your steps
At the beginning of faith, many lies can feel incredibly persuasive, but God’s Word speaks a better word. His truth is not just information, but a light by which we learn to see reality clearly and walk with Him faithfully.
Don’t expect yourself to have it all figured out. What matters is staying close to Jesus and walking in truth, even when it's slow, even when it's hard. He will be faithful to lead you into greater purpose, joy, freedom, and fulfillment.
Reflection Questions:
Which of these lies feels most familiar to you?
What truth from Scripture do you need to hold onto today?
Who in your life might need to hear one of these truths spoken with love?
