Is Christianity mainly about behaving better?
Changed behavior is fruit. The root is a new heart and the Spirit.
External religion says: here are the rules, make yourself obey. The new covenant says God changes the person.
Maturity is not measured only by what someone will not drink, watch, say, or wear. Jesus challenged people who looked clean and were ruled by pride or judgment.
God writes His ways on the heart. Then different fruit grows.
Verses
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 — New heart. My Spirit within you.
- Jeremiah 31:31-34 — Law written on the heart.
- Romans 12:2 — Be transformed.
- Galatians 5:22-25 — Fruit of the Spirit.
A next step. Ask what kind of person this belief is producing — not only which rules you kept.