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The Burden Is Light: Liberating Your Life from the Tyranny of Performance and Success
Jon Tyson's exploration of the reverse economy of the kingdom frees his readers from not only having to earn their salvation but also earn their sense of worth. Life is not meant to be a series of competitions or survival of the fittest, yet the dominant voices in our culture scream that we are only as valuable as our popularity, success, status or social recognition.
This book offers another way forward. It shows readers the freedom of Jesus light and easy yoke as opposed to the tyrannical yoke of cultural approval or applause. This is a must-read for those exhausted from having to invent or perform their identity or conjure up a sense of destiny.
This book offers another way forward. It shows readers the freedom of Jesus light and easy yoke as opposed to the tyrannical yoke of cultural approval or applause. This is a must-read for those exhausted from having to invent or perform their identity or conjure up a sense of destiny.
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2018
149 people are currently reading
1448 people want to read
About the author
Jon Tyson
30 books268 followersJon Tyson is a pastor and church planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the United States over two decades ago with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the author of Sacred Roots, A Creative Minority, and The Burden Is Light. He serves as the lead pastor of Church of the City New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 27, 2018
I like knowing the one who tells me "the burden is light" walks with the ease he urges for others.
I have watched Jon Tyson for more than a decade. I've seen him as Jesus follower, church planter, father, husband, and friend. He is a traveler on that liberated path! When Jon tells us Christ gives freedom from the tyranny of performance and success, these are not empty words. Yes, I've read his book; but more importantly I've read his life. Collectively, this is a powerful combination.
The Burden Is Light: Liberating Your Life from the Tyranny of Performance and Success is delightful to read for its depth, thought, prose, and everyday practicality. As Jon notes, God wants you to live your story well. This book is a great tool to close the gap "between your actual self and the self God desires for you." I highly recommend it.
Here are five of my takeaways from reading The Burden Is Light:
1. The call of Jesus is about living well: Jon puts William Irving's concept of "misliving" before us: "There is a danger that you will mislive--that despite all your activity . . . you will end up living a bad life." Tyson presents the challenge, but through his pages he demonstrates how Christ renders that fear a needless worry.
2. How to arrest comparison, the thief of joy: Who does not struggle with comparison, what Teddy Roosevelt tagged, "the thief of joy"? Again, Jon points me to Christ's better way, finding my true identity, finding my call, and running my race. Can someone speak these words over my life each morning?
3. Blessing: "All ministry flows from blessing, not for it. We minister because we are blessed, not to gain blessing." (page 97)
4. Breaking the bottle: Mary broke the bottle of perfume over the Savior's feet. She is the exemplar of passionate living, to abandon ourselves completely to Christ. "There is more power in a moment of [such] passion than in a lifetime of mediocrity." (page 122) What do I sense God calling me to abandon?
5. LIAR (low information-to-action ratio) to LOVER (Listen, Observe, Value, Encourage, Respond): God commissions me to attend carefully to those around me.
As Jon will share through the pages in this book, we must be prepared to turn aside, "we must learn to be still and listen for the Father's voice" (page 189). Reading these pages is an exercise toward that end; a happy end it will be.
I have watched Jon Tyson for more than a decade. I've seen him as Jesus follower, church planter, father, husband, and friend. He is a traveler on that liberated path! When Jon tells us Christ gives freedom from the tyranny of performance and success, these are not empty words. Yes, I've read his book; but more importantly I've read his life. Collectively, this is a powerful combination.
The Burden Is Light: Liberating Your Life from the Tyranny of Performance and Success is delightful to read for its depth, thought, prose, and everyday practicality. As Jon notes, God wants you to live your story well. This book is a great tool to close the gap "between your actual self and the self God desires for you." I highly recommend it.
Here are five of my takeaways from reading The Burden Is Light:
1. The call of Jesus is about living well: Jon puts William Irving's concept of "misliving" before us: "There is a danger that you will mislive--that despite all your activity . . . you will end up living a bad life." Tyson presents the challenge, but through his pages he demonstrates how Christ renders that fear a needless worry.
2. How to arrest comparison, the thief of joy: Who does not struggle with comparison, what Teddy Roosevelt tagged, "the thief of joy"? Again, Jon points me to Christ's better way, finding my true identity, finding my call, and running my race. Can someone speak these words over my life each morning?
3. Blessing: "All ministry flows from blessing, not for it. We minister because we are blessed, not to gain blessing." (page 97)
4. Breaking the bottle: Mary broke the bottle of perfume over the Savior's feet. She is the exemplar of passionate living, to abandon ourselves completely to Christ. "There is more power in a moment of [such] passion than in a lifetime of mediocrity." (page 122) What do I sense God calling me to abandon?
5. LIAR (low information-to-action ratio) to LOVER (Listen, Observe, Value, Encourage, Respond): God commissions me to attend carefully to those around me.
As Jon will share through the pages in this book, we must be prepared to turn aside, "we must learn to be still and listen for the Father's voice" (page 189). Reading these pages is an exercise toward that end; a happy end it will be.
July 24, 2023
I love Jon Tyson’s teachings and Church of the City in NYC, and his book felt personal and easy to digest. Each chapter contrasts a worldly vs scriptural outlook on life, such as control/surrender or judgement/mercy. My favorite chapter (and the most convicting) was the final one about distraction vs presence. So often I say that God feels distant or absent from my life, but it’s me who’s not present. He is constantly at work in my life, if only I would look up from the distractions and listen for His voice!
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March 29, 2022This book was precisely what I needed at this exact point in life. Not every moment is profound, but the majority of the book is incredibly applicable: talking through be intentional, fully present, not comparing or competing with others.
August 3, 2020
A wonderful book. Gently convicting, speaking to the ways we allow our soul to be led astray and the ways we can be transformed as we patiently follow Jesus for the long haul. This an easy read about the gentle yoke. I thoroughly recommend it.
July 16, 2020
Oh my word....
This is a book review, but I have no words for how much this book has impacted me. Thank you Jon Tyson. Please just read it.
This is a book review, but I have no words for how much this book has impacted me. Thank you Jon Tyson. Please just read it.
March 12, 2022
Quotes for my own bookmark:
"When we focus on what we can accomplish rather than the people we are called to serve, we become victims of our own ambition, and so do they." (pg. 47)
"We shouldn't be surprised to find that when we fixate on what we can attain from God, we fail to experience the peace of His presence in our lives." (pg. 63)
"Instead of seeking sovereignty over ourselves, we trust the One who is over all things and rest in His good intentions for our lives." (pg. 71)
"Obedience is a momentary decision, but surrender is the posture of the kingdom... Surrender is not based on duty but on trust." (pg. 71)
"Saint Ignatius of Loyola said that sin is an unwillingness to trust that what God wants is our deepest happiness. Until we are convinced of this, we will seek to control our own lives. But knowing that God sees all the moments and concerns of our lives, is committed to working all things together for our good, and cares about us deeply gives us confidence to let go. When we trust God, we are not surrendering to chaotic forces or blind chance. We are surrendering to love. And that act of surrender allows us to be caught in an embrace that will never let us go." (pg. 76)
"There is more power in a moment of passion than in a lifetime of mediocrity. Passionate devotion moves the world. It shocks others out of their complacency. It pours fuel onto the pilot light that flickers in the human heart, igniting a response. These moments of passion shape the history of the world and define this thing called life." (pg. 122)
"When we walk around judging people rather than advocating for them, we facilitate the work of the Enemy in their lives." (pg. 136)
"Criticism is not a fruit of the Spirit. Judging others stops us from seeing their humanity and makes them tools to reinforce our own self-righteousness... You can't love and judge at the same time." (pg. 137)
"Judgement sees the issue. Mercy sees the person. This is how mercy triumphs over judgment." (pg. 144)
"Most of us will not be tempted to deny our faith, but many of us will be so distracted that we settle for a mediocre version of it." (pg. 180)
"... Efficiency and productivity are not the same thing as living a beautiful life of meaning and depth." (pg. 181)
"When we focus on what we can accomplish rather than the people we are called to serve, we become victims of our own ambition, and so do they." (pg. 47)
"We shouldn't be surprised to find that when we fixate on what we can attain from God, we fail to experience the peace of His presence in our lives." (pg. 63)
"Instead of seeking sovereignty over ourselves, we trust the One who is over all things and rest in His good intentions for our lives." (pg. 71)
"Obedience is a momentary decision, but surrender is the posture of the kingdom... Surrender is not based on duty but on trust." (pg. 71)
"Saint Ignatius of Loyola said that sin is an unwillingness to trust that what God wants is our deepest happiness. Until we are convinced of this, we will seek to control our own lives. But knowing that God sees all the moments and concerns of our lives, is committed to working all things together for our good, and cares about us deeply gives us confidence to let go. When we trust God, we are not surrendering to chaotic forces or blind chance. We are surrendering to love. And that act of surrender allows us to be caught in an embrace that will never let us go." (pg. 76)
"There is more power in a moment of passion than in a lifetime of mediocrity. Passionate devotion moves the world. It shocks others out of their complacency. It pours fuel onto the pilot light that flickers in the human heart, igniting a response. These moments of passion shape the history of the world and define this thing called life." (pg. 122)
"When we walk around judging people rather than advocating for them, we facilitate the work of the Enemy in their lives." (pg. 136)
"Criticism is not a fruit of the Spirit. Judging others stops us from seeing their humanity and makes them tools to reinforce our own self-righteousness... You can't love and judge at the same time." (pg. 137)
"Judgement sees the issue. Mercy sees the person. This is how mercy triumphs over judgment." (pg. 144)
"Most of us will not be tempted to deny our faith, but many of us will be so distracted that we settle for a mediocre version of it." (pg. 180)
"... Efficiency and productivity are not the same thing as living a beautiful life of meaning and depth." (pg. 181)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2021
Wow.
An incredibly moving book in which Tyson addresses several issues within the “normal Christian day-to-day” - and how Jesus is the answer to all of them.
Each chapter dives into a typical feeling in our modern age - Comparison, Competition, Control, Cursing, Complacency, Judgement, Pride, and Distraction… and provides the way out - Calling, Compassion, Surrender, Blessing, Passion, Mercy, Humility, and Presence.
This was a phenomenal read that not only identified these problems in our day & age, but witnessed to the inward renewal that Christ is bringing within his holy nation. Tyson delivers an incredible message through it all - to take up our crosses and follow the King who loved first.
An incredibly moving book in which Tyson addresses several issues within the “normal Christian day-to-day” - and how Jesus is the answer to all of them.
Each chapter dives into a typical feeling in our modern age - Comparison, Competition, Control, Cursing, Complacency, Judgement, Pride, and Distraction… and provides the way out - Calling, Compassion, Surrender, Blessing, Passion, Mercy, Humility, and Presence.
This was a phenomenal read that not only identified these problems in our day & age, but witnessed to the inward renewal that Christ is bringing within his holy nation. Tyson delivers an incredible message through it all - to take up our crosses and follow the King who loved first.
November 24, 2019
A deep meditation on the values of a life well-lived: humility, mercy, love, presence. I hope to turn to this book for guidance at other times in my life, but most importantly, that I am able to draw these lessons and meanings over and over again now.
August 3, 2020
Jon Tyson has been one of those that have deeply impacted my faith. I enjoyed this book very much. He addressed common character flaws in the human condition that needed to be replaced and countered with the Gospel. Will definitely read again in the future.
August 2, 2022
Excellent reminders
This reminds me of various thoughts I should have toward others. We are to have the mind of Christ as we talk with others. We should be gracious and kind.
This reminds me of various thoughts I should have toward others. We are to have the mind of Christ as we talk with others. We should be gracious and kind.
October 30, 2020
This book is easily accessible. I would give it to a new believer or a seasoned saint. There is something for both of them in here. Jon Tyson consistently has his finger on the pulse of culture as well as the teachings of Jesus. This book is no exception.
The burden really is light. Jesus is inviting you to put down the weight of the world and pick up his light load. The choice is yours.
The burden really is light. Jesus is inviting you to put down the weight of the world and pick up his light load. The choice is yours.
December 7, 2019
Lighter journey
I have known this book existed for a while, but experienced a bit of fatigue around books written by pastors. This book is in no way like other books. Each chapter is a helpful standalone devotional read into the way our culture calls us to live and the opposite call of the kingdom. It makes the heart lighter and the feet harder for the journey ahead. A good read.
I have known this book existed for a while, but experienced a bit of fatigue around books written by pastors. This book is in no way like other books. Each chapter is a helpful standalone devotional read into the way our culture calls us to live and the opposite call of the kingdom. It makes the heart lighter and the feet harder for the journey ahead. A good read.
March 23, 2018
A book focused on many topics that are impacting our lives and how Jesus shows a better way. Some of the these topics are comparison, competition, control and distraction. At times he does a better job diagnosing the problem than giving a great gospel truth to apply. I really liked the chapters on comparison, competition, and distraction. But in lots of ways I want to imitate Jon Tyson's passion and intentionality in following Jesus. He also has a sermon series on the same topics that is really good because you get to hear his cool Australian accent.
April 10, 2020
This book was a call to remember my first motivation- love for Christ and not for the applause or Achievements. I started this book during the stay at home orders of Covid 19, and it was timely.
It pointed out how we need to be really present in life and relationships. This new and Unprecedented time seems to be pointing out the value of face-to-face and in depth connections even more than we would normally acknowledge our need for. It also covers a lot about not being able to control everything around us, but where our true security lies. We’re not created to Manipulate and be certain of our circumstances- we are to follow Christ through everything with humility and grace.
I recommend this book to anyone who needs a step back to look at root motivations and shining a light on how we can often err in ways that look good from the outside, but are so harmful from within.
It pointed out how we need to be really present in life and relationships. This new and Unprecedented time seems to be pointing out the value of face-to-face and in depth connections even more than we would normally acknowledge our need for. It also covers a lot about not being able to control everything around us, but where our true security lies. We’re not created to Manipulate and be certain of our circumstances- we are to follow Christ through everything with humility and grace.
I recommend this book to anyone who needs a step back to look at root motivations and shining a light on how we can often err in ways that look good from the outside, but are so harmful from within.
May 9, 2021
Unpacking the character of the Christian life
A very challenging, convicting book! The burden is indeed light b/c of Jesus, our savior. However, His life gives us an incredible standard to pursue as we seek to reflect his image to the world.
The chapters cover character in the face of a world that is adrift...
It is the light of • compassion in a culture of competition • blessing in the face of the curse • calling in a culture of comparison • surrender in the face of control • mercy in a culture of judgment • humility in a culture of pride • passion in a world of complacency • presence in a culture of distraction
My favorite chapters were the ones on comparison, complacency and distraction. He understands what we’re facing and gives great illustrations that apply to all of us.
A very challenging, convicting book! The burden is indeed light b/c of Jesus, our savior. However, His life gives us an incredible standard to pursue as we seek to reflect his image to the world.
The chapters cover character in the face of a world that is adrift...
It is the light of • compassion in a culture of competition • blessing in the face of the curse • calling in a culture of comparison • surrender in the face of control • mercy in a culture of judgment • humility in a culture of pride • passion in a world of complacency • presence in a culture of distraction
My favorite chapters were the ones on comparison, complacency and distraction. He understands what we’re facing and gives great illustrations that apply to all of us.
October 21, 2023
One of the most convicting parts of this book was actually a quote from another booK, “People who live in fear feel compelled to remain in control. They attempt to control themselves and they attempt to control their world. Often despite their best intentions, this spills over into efforts to control others.” (David Bender) Is it fair to say that when we have a tendency to control, we likely are not fully trusting God?
Tyson writes about subjects we’ve all heard much about like comparison, control, cursing, pride, and distraction. However, he does so while always pointing towards the attributes they are twisted from. He writes from his own experiences, and the stories of people he has interacted with during his extensive ministry. A convicting and encouraging quick read.
Tyson writes about subjects we’ve all heard much about like comparison, control, cursing, pride, and distraction. However, he does so while always pointing towards the attributes they are twisted from. He writes from his own experiences, and the stories of people he has interacted with during his extensive ministry. A convicting and encouraging quick read.
June 30, 2020
Jon Tyson is a pastor in New York City and global spiritual influencer who has written a book to help stop believers to stop using the world's definitions of success and value, and to focus instead on what God thinks of believers. God's kingdom turns practically ecery aspect of the world values upside-down.
Tyson encourages readers to throw off worldly ways of comparison, competition, control and pride, to biblical values of calling, compassion, and humility. The more that we turn around how we think about ourselves and our lives, argues Tyson, we will also benefit by adopting God's viewpoint. An easy yet engaging read.
Recommended!
Tyson encourages readers to throw off worldly ways of comparison, competition, control and pride, to biblical values of calling, compassion, and humility. The more that we turn around how we think about ourselves and our lives, argues Tyson, we will also benefit by adopting God's viewpoint. An easy yet engaging read.
Recommended!
May 12, 2018
Enjoyed! Made me think. How does the world look at faith, matters of faith, people of faith? Challenged and encouraged me to simplify and focus on the aspects of faith that really matter. I would like to read more by this author. Also appreciated the many books, quotes, studies, and illustrations from others' lives. Strengthens the points and enriches the read; never like it when an author doesn't use enough of that and the book is merely their point of view. I tend to put those books aside. Not so with this one.
May 11, 2019
I picked this up from a book shop at an event I was attending, and was immediately struck by the personal relevance of the book's central message. I managed to get through it extremely quickly and found relevance in every chapter. It is clear when reading, that Tyson hadn't compiled a list of lessons from further reading or research, but personal experience. It's not everyday that you read a Christian book and feel on the same level as the author! An authentic and thoroughly relevant book written for everyone, no matter what stage of life, age or where you may be on your walk with Christ.
August 1, 2023
Grace upon Grace.
What an inviting, relieving, calming read. A view of 8 biblical tenets of the Way that are truly, delightfully, light.
The chapters are arranged in compare & contrast format:
Comparison / Calling
Competition / Compassion
Control / Surrender
Cursing / Blessing
Complacency / Passion
Judgement / Mercy
Pride / Humility (phew)
Distraction / Presence
Epilogue: Communion
A very good read when we feel our lives are at their busiest and most overwhelming, to be reminded of the quiet peace and easy yoke of Jesus.
What an inviting, relieving, calming read. A view of 8 biblical tenets of the Way that are truly, delightfully, light.
The chapters are arranged in compare & contrast format:
Comparison / Calling
Competition / Compassion
Control / Surrender
Cursing / Blessing
Complacency / Passion
Judgement / Mercy
Pride / Humility (phew)
Distraction / Presence
Epilogue: Communion
A very good read when we feel our lives are at their busiest and most overwhelming, to be reminded of the quiet peace and easy yoke of Jesus.
April 10, 2020
Well written by someone who has learned hard lessons along the way. Emphasizes that our success in life is not measured by what we do, but by how attentive we are to those around us. I enjoyed the emphasis on learning about those people closest to us and finding ways to have a significant impact on their lives. Anyone who feels burdened by attempting to follow Jesus can learn something about how to relieve that load and live a life of significance by resting in Him.
November 12, 2021
At times the book felt insightful and thought-provoking, but the content consistently remained shallow and surface-level. I have different doctrinal convictions than the author, and overall I felt that the lack of doctrine and / or theology weakened the book. Tyson did reference Bible stories throughout, but the engagement was mild. The format annoyed me, too ... all Scripture references moved to footnotes on the page, and all non-Scriptural references moved to the back as endnotes.
March 14, 2022
The book is easy to read and full of takeaways that you can apply to daily life. It is rich in connecting the struggles we face in life with the help/motivation found in the Bible. "Compassion in a culture of competition, blessing in the face of the curse, calling in a culture of comparison, surrender in the face of control, mercy in a culture of judgment, humility in a cultural of pride, passion in a world of complacency, presence in a culture of distraction."
July 24, 2023
The Burden is Light by Jon Tyson is a call to follow Jesus. Without the trappings of comparison or striving, we can simply follow Him deeply with our whole selves. This is a light burden to carry and it is the true calling of believers. This book is a wonderful book for both new and seasoned believers alike. It is a great reminder of what it really means to follow Jesus. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
May 10, 2018
Easily the best book of 2018 so far, and one of my top/go-to books on Christian living, growth, and spirituality. I have been challenged and encouraged through Jon Tyson’s work to such a degree that I want to go pick up everything else he has written. Well worth the time and investment. Pick this up ASAP, you won’t be disappointed.
December 15, 2019
This book was better than my initial expectations based on the book title and cover. I thought it would another book about slowing down and seeking shalom. Instead it was much more than that. The book is very well written and full of powerful and memorable quotes of wisdom and stories. Well worth a second read.
November 20, 2022
“This is what you fill your dash with, a passionate connection to Christ, and from that source you will look back over your life and realize that the way of the world is heavy but indeed his burden is light.”
Jon Tyson observes the burdens of this world in view of the good yoke of Christ. A great examination of the upside-down kingdom.
Jon Tyson observes the burdens of this world in view of the good yoke of Christ. A great examination of the upside-down kingdom.
June 15, 2023
Jon Tyson walks the reader through a number of ways that our discipleship to Jesus can be disrupted. He then pairs them with a practice of counter-formation that we can engage in. I really appreciate the way Tyson recognizes that spiritual formation isn’t just formation in the likeness of Christ. It is counter-formation away from the likeness of the world and into the likeness of Christ.
July 19, 2025
Somewhere we’ve gotten it into our minds that following Jesus is hard-a heavy burden, but that’s not how Jesus describes his yoke. Jon Tyson remains grounded in real life-it’s what I’ve always loved about his teaching-and points us to the real gospel and Jesus who enters our lives like a cool spring offering rest, purpose, and belonging.
June 26, 2018
Within there are some nuggets of gold as Tyson unpacks the life formed in Christ. The life of the light burden. For me the the encouragement to a life in response to Jesus was a helpful reminder, especially the call to pay attention!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews