A pastor argues that holiness doesn't require suffering or self-punishment. Jesus taught that carrying the cross means obeying God's will, not abandoning good jobs, relationships, or blessings just to look more spiritual. True holiness comes from joyful obedience, not misery.
Sadly, some Christians think that holiness means being miserable. They say, if life feels too good, I must not be carrying my cross. But Jesus never said misery equals holiness. To carry your cross means to do God's will even when it's hard, even when it costs you, but not to punish yourself into sadness. I've seen believers give up godly relationships, well-paying jobs, or blessings that were from God, not because God asked them to give them up, But because they thought being miserable made them more spiritual. That's not sacrifice. That's self-punishment for the sake of punishment. My friend, if God requires something of you, of course you should surrender it. But if he doesn't, don't lay it down just to prove something. That's not holiness. That's foolishness. Holiness is not found in misery. Holiness is found in surrender. Stop confusing misery with holiness. True holiness is joyful obedience.
