Sometimes we make the gospel of Jesus Christ, along with following God’s ways, to be difficult, grievous, a heavy burden to be endured. It’s easy for people who do want to please God to fall into this mindset. These are probably good sincere people who do want to please God, but have a very limited view of God’s grace. They might not know how to show their love for God, so they may want to make the outside look righteous to convince themselves and others they are in good standing with God. Johnathan Edwards, a theologian and preacher in the 1700’s, called this vice masquerading as virtue. For example, doing religious things to boast of them, which reveal sinful pride and self-righteousness.
Some people like strict rules to help them guide their lives. There’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes there are habits that people develop to help them draw close to God. There’s nothing wrong with that.
It does become wrong when it becomes a grievous burden to ourselves or when we demand that others bear this burden.
The Old Testament spoke of those who put on a show of their religious zeal by fasting, and God was not pleased:
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Jesus condemned those who made following God a heavy burden:
“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” – Matthew 23:4
Jesus was not a fan of heavy burdens.
Matthew 11
“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Maybe you’ve placed some heavy burden on yourself (or others have placed it) about what you have to do to please God. It’s not God’s way. Let it go.