"The gospel is not good advice to be obeyed"

The heart of the quote lies in distinguishing between advice and the good news. When you hear "gospel," think of it as an announcement, a proclamation of something that has already happened rather than a set of instructions to follow. It's like telling someone "You've won the lottery!" rather than "Here's how you can win the lottery." The gospel is about a transformative message, not a checklist of tasks.

Historically, this viewpoint has been crucial in Christian theology. The term "gospel" literally means "good news." In ancient times, when a new king was crowned, heralds would spread the "gospel"—the good news—throughout the land, announcing the new ruler's reign. It wasn't advice on how to accept the king; it was a statement of fact that brought hope and change.

Take, for example, the story of a man named John. John had a tough life and struggled with addiction for years. He tried countless self-help books, attended seminars, and listened to advice from friends and therapists, but nothing seemed to stick. Then, one day, he heard a message from a local church about the gospel. It wasn't presented as "do this and you'll be saved" but rather "this is what has been done for you." John felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The news of unconditional love and acceptance transformed him in ways advice never could. He found strength and hope in this announcement, which led him to turn his life around without the constant pressure of trying to obey a set of rules.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Think about your own life. Are there areas where you're bombarded with advice—how to be a better parent, a more successful professional, or even a healthier person? Instead, what if you received a message that assured you that you are already loved, accepted, and valued? The pressure to "do better" can be overwhelming. Understanding that the gospel is about receiving good news rather than following advice can shift your perspective. It’s about accepting that something wonderful has been done for you, and it's there for you to embrace.

Imagine you're sitting in a cozy coffee shop with a friend who's stressing out about their job. They've got deadlines, and their boss keeps piling on more work. They're feeling like they're failing and are desperate for advice. You could say, "Hey, you know what? You're doing your best, and you're enough. You’re valued for who you are, not just what you can do." This isn’t advice—they don’t have to do anything. It’s reassurance, it’s good news. Maybe that’s the kind of message they need to hear, like the gospel.

In summary, the gospel isn't a set of instructions but an announcement of a reality that can bring hope and transformation. It's about accepting and embracing a message of love and change, rather than striving to meet a list of expectations. When you share this perspective with others—or even remind yourself—you open up a space where true growth and healing can occur. So next time you’re tempted to offer advice, think about how a simple message of reassurance might make a bigger difference.