In a world that prizes personal happiness and convenience, it’s easy for Christians to fall into a subtle but dangerous trap: choosing what feels good over what is truly right according to God’s purpose. This isn’t about choosing between good and evil; it’s about the more insidious conflict where a seemingly good intention, thought, or action can actively work against God’s will. This is a battle for our minds and hearts, and it’s one we see playing out in modern Christianity, where many of us are less engaged with our faith and less certain of our purpose.
The Bible is filled with cautionary tales and heroic examples that highlight this very struggle. From Eve in the Garden of Eden to the Apostle Peter’s well-meaning rebuke of Jesus, these stories show us the profound consequences of prioritizing our own sense of what’s “good.”
The Allure of What’s “Good”
What is the difference between good and right? In this context, good refers to anything that is pleasing to us—our thoughts, feelings, actions, or circumstances. It’s what feels comfortable, logical, or beneficial from a human perspective. Right, on the other hand, is that which God has intended to happen or be fulfilled; it is His command, will, purpose, and plan. The conflict arises when these two are not aligned.
A common misinterpretation of Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” often fuels this confusion. People tend to focus on the word “good” as a promise of personal benefit or happiness. But the verse is clear: God works all things together for good according to His purpose. His ultimate end is not our comfort, but the fulfillment of His will. When we pursue things simply for their beneficial effects on us, we’re missing the point.
Lessons from Biblical Figures
The Bible provides a masterclass in this conflict. Here are a few examples:
The Choice of Eve
In Genesis 3, the serpent tempts Eve with the forbidden fruit. She sees that the tree is “good for food,” “a delight to the eyes,” and “desirable to make one wise.” Her choice was based on three “good” reasons, but it was not the right choice. The fruit was indeed “good for food,” but it was the wrong food. This seemingly good choice led her and Adam away from the right food—the fruit of the tree of life—and brought sin into the world.
This story teaches us to be wary of the world’s wisdom. While things like higher education are considered good, they can become a clear path away from God’s purpose for your life if they lead you to rely on your own intellect rather than on His guidance.
Sarai’s “Good” Idea
Genesis 16 tells the story of Sarai, who, after years of barrenness, took matters into her own hands. She concluded that the Lord had prevented her from having a child and decided to make God’s promise happen herself by giving her servant, Hagar, to her husband, Abram. This was a “good” solution from a human perspective—a logical way to secure an heir.
However, no human idea, no matter how good, can supersede God’s divine plan. Sarai’s well-intentioned solution led to generations of trouble and conflict. We must be cautious of our own clever ideas and trust in God’s perfect timing.
The Spies Sent to Canaan
In Deuteronomy 1, God commands the Israelites to “go up, take possession” of the Promised Land. Instead of simply obeying, the people insisted on sending twelve spies ahead to survey the land. This seemed like a good idea, a prudent military strategy. But it wasn’t God’s plan. The result? The spies, except for two, brought back a report that instilled fear and doubt, leading to forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
When God gives you a command, your obedience shouldn’t depend on the circumstances. God’s word is enough for the true believer.
Peter’s Good Intentions
Peter, the same apostle who declared Jesus as the Messiah, also chose “good” over “right.” In Matthew 16, Jesus explains that He must suffer and be killed, but Peter rebukes Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You!” Peter’s desire to protect Jesus was born from a place of love and loyalty. It was a “good” intention, but it was contrary to God’s purpose for Jesus to die on the cross for humanity’s salvation. Jesus’s response was sharp: “Get behind Me, Satan!” He was not rebuking Peter as a person but the satanic influence behind the “good” idea.
The Rewards of Choosing “Right”
Just as choosing good over right has consequences, choosing right over good brings lasting rewards. Consider Joseph, who was propositioned by his master’s wife. From a human standpoint, indulging in this momentary pleasure might have seemed “good” and even advantageous in his position. But Joseph chose to respect his master and, more importantly, to not “sin against God.” He chose the right thing, even though it led to him being thrown in prison. His patience and faithfulness were eventually rewarded when God elevated him to a position of power in Egypt.
Similarly, David had the “good” opportunity to kill King Saul, his enemy, in a cave. His men encouraged him, telling him this was the chance God had given him. But David chose the right thing: he respected God’s anointed leader, refused to take matters into his own hands, and waited for God to fulfill His promise. David’s choice demonstrated his trust that God would fulfill His plan without his sinful intervention.
What Are You Choosing Today?
We face this choice daily in our personal lives, ministries, and churches. Are we choosing financial success over godly living? Are we prioritizing careers at the cost of faithful service? Are we pleasing people instead of pleasing God? In our churches, are we investing in material things rather than on evangelism and discipleship?
Choosing the right path isn’t always easy. It often means refusing quick, temporary pleasures and waiting for God’s perfect timing. It means prioritizing obedience over comfort, trusting God’s word over our own instincts, and pleasing Him above all others. Let us not allow the “good” things of this world to become the enemy of what is truly “right” in God’s sight.
