Faith Is Not a License to Live Independently from God
A quiet but dangerous assumption has found its way into modern Christianity. It sounds spiritual on the surface, but it subtly undermines obedience. The belief goes something like this:
“I believe in God, so I can live how I want, make my own decisions, and God will work it all out anyway.”
Scripture does not support this mindset. Faith in God is not permission to ignore His Word, dismiss His will, or refuse counsel. Biblical faith leads to submission, not self-direction.
Faith Does Not Replace Obedience
The Bible is clear that faith and obedience are inseparable. One does not cancel out the other.
James writes plainly:
“So then, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James 2:17 (GNT)
Faith that does not shape how we live, choose, and submit is not biblical faith. It is belief without surrender. Scripture never teaches that trusting God means doing whatever we want and expecting Him to bless it.
Jesus Himself said:
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I tell you?”
Luke 6:46 (GNT)
Calling Jesus Lord while ignoring His commands is a contradiction. Faith that saves is faith that submits.
God’s Promises Are Not Detached from God’s Will
Romans 8:28 is often quoted to justify careless decision-making:
“We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (GNT)
Notice what the verse actually says. God works for good for those who are called according to His purpose. It does not say God blesses every choice a believer makes. It does not say God endorses disobedience. It does not say faith overrides wisdom.
God is sovereign and merciful. He can redeem our mistakes. But redemption is not approval. Grace is not permission.
Scripture Calls Believers to Seek God Before Acting
Throughout Scripture, God’s people are repeatedly warned against self-directed living.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (GNT)
Trusting God does not mean moving forward without Him. It means refusing to move forward without Him.
Psalm 127 reinforces this truth:
“If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless.”
Psalm 127:1 (GNT)
Plans made without prayer, Scripture, and submission may succeed outwardly, but they are spiritually empty. God does not promise direction to those who refuse to ask for it.
Ignoring God’s Word Is Not a Faith Step
Some believers confuse stepping out in faith with acting impulsively. Biblical faith is never reckless. It is anchored in God’s revealed Word.
“Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (GNT)
If a decision contradicts Scripture, dismisses biblical wisdom, or resists accountability, it is not faith. It is presumption.
Jesus warned about this kind of self-assured spirituality:
“Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do.”
Matthew 7:21 (GNT)
God is not obligated to bless what He has not commanded.
Wise Counsel Is God’s Provision, Not a Lack of Faith
Rejecting wise counsel is often framed as “just trusting God.” Scripture says the opposite.
“People who do not listen to advice are doomed; those who do are safe.”
Proverbs 11:14 (GNT)
Seeking counsel is not weakness. It is wisdom. God often speaks through mature believers, biblical accountability, and godly correction.
“Listen to advice and accept correction, and in the end you will be wise.”
Proverbs 19:20 (GNT)
A refusal to seek counsel often reveals pride, not faith.
God Is Not Our Backup Plan
God is not someone we inform after decisions are made. He is not a safety net for unsubmitted lives. He is Lord.
“Do your planning by asking for advice; do your work by getting guidance.”
Proverbs 20:18 (GNT)
The Christian life is not about independence with spiritual insurance. It is about daily dependence.
Jesus modeled this perfectly:
“I cannot do anything on my own. I judge just as God tells me.”
John 5:30 (GNT)
If the Son of God did not live independently from the Father, neither can we.
True Faith Walks in Submission
God does work all things for good. But He works through obedience, humility, repentance, and surrender. Faith does not free us from God’s authority. It places us under it.
“Give yourselves completely to God.”
James 4:7 (GNT)
The question is not whether God is faithful. He is. The question is whether we are willing to trust Him enough to obey Him before moving forward.
