Spiritual Fluff! The Courage to Step Back

Tonight, as I sat reflecting on my life, one truth rose above everything else:

Sometimes you have to retreat to rediscover who you are.

For over 16 years, I served in various leadership roles in the church. Those years were filled with growth, joy, challenges, lessons, and moments I will always be grateful for. I don’t regret the service, but for several months, I felt a quiet tug in my spirit telling me it was time to step back.

At first, I resisted.

Was this really God speaking?
Or was it just fatigue?
Was I walking away… or being called somewhere deeper?

After much prayer and honest reflection, I made the difficult decision to step down from every role I was holding.

Yes, every single one.

During that season, a sister in ministry said something that stopped me in my tracks:

We have to be careful not to pick up spiritual responsibilities just to please people, while missing what God is actually asking of us.

It’s possible to be busy with church work and still feel disconnected from God’s true call on your life.

That hit me hard.

Somewhere along the way, I had accumulated what I now call spiritual clutter -good things, even meaningful things - but not necessarily the things God was asking of me in that moment.

And good things can still distract us from the right things.

Stepping back wasn’t about quitting.
It was about realigning.

We all have to pause sometimes and ask:
Does my life reflect my calling or just my commitments?

We were created to glorify God, and that goes far beyond what happens inside a church building. Praise isn’t only expressed in songs, sermons, or service roles.

The life you live is also an act of worship.

There are seasons when we must release expectations, titles, and even well-meaning pressures to walk fully in purpose.

You are not called to carry everything.
You are not meant to please everyone.
You answer to the Highest Authority, not the loudest voices.

When He is pleased, you are exactly where you need to be.

Take time to look at your own life.

Are you holding onto things that no longer align with your purpose?
Are you busy… but not fulfilled?
Serving… but not growing?

A life disconnected from purpose feels empty.
But a life aligned with God’s call, even if quieter, is still meaningful.

So tonight’s question is simple:

What is your purpose, and are you living it?