Learning and Growing With Christ
Why Good Intentions Are Not the Same as God’s Will
Most people mean well. Most people want to do good. Most people want to help.
But the Bible teaches us something humbling: good intentions are not the same as obedience.
Works Do Not Get Us to Heaven
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.”
We are not saved by works. We are saved by grace through faith.
That means even our best efforts, our best ideas, and our best intentions cannot replace surrender to God.
When Human Reasoning Gets in the Way
Sometimes we think: “This worked for me, so it must work for them.”
Other times we think: “I know what’s best in this situation.”
But Scripture warns us about trusting our own understanding.
“Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
God is not foolish. God is wise.
If we are honest, many of us used to live foolishly. And wisdom can feel uncomfortable when we are not fully surrendered.
A Biblical Example: Simon the Sorcerer
Simon saw the power of the Holy Spirit and wanted it — badly.
He even offered money, thinking he could buy God’s power to do more miracles.
But Peter rebuked him sharply, because Simon’s desire was not about God’s will — it was about himself.
Simon wanted the power of God without surrendering to the authority of God.
That is a danger for all of us.
Works Are the Fruit — Not the Root
“Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.”
Works matter — but they come after faith.
Good works are the fruit of a surrendered, committed, holy life.
When we abide in Christ, He produces the fruit.
“He who remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Learning to Check Our Decisions
Before acting, it’s wise to ask:
- Is this truly God’s will, or my own idea?
- Am I seeking God’s glory, or my own?
- Am I acting in faith, or impatience?
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits.”
Final Thought
God is not impressed by our effort if it is disconnected from obedience.
He desires a heart that is surrendered, a life that is committed, and a faith that is willing to learn and grow.
When we walk with Christ, our works will follow naturally — in His timing, His way, and for His glory.
