Why Following Your Dreams Can Distract You from God’s Will
- Jack Selcher
- Jul 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Summary
This article challenges the popular belief that following personal dreams leads to a meaningful life. While culture celebrates dream-chasing, Scripture warns that pursuing our desires can distract us from God’s will. Using biblical teaching and personal experience, it shows that true fulfillment comes from serving God and others. Abundant life is found not in chasing dreams, but in faithfully using God-given gifts to accomplish His purposes.
The Fear and Appeal of Following Dreams
“If you catch yourself daydreaming during the workday, you’re not alone. We all think about following our dreams. But how do you know if you should go for it? Maybe you want to travel the world or start your own business. Following your dreams can feel terrifying, especially when you feel pressure to meet others’ expectations.
The World’s Promise of Fulfillment
Popular culture insists that following your dreams leads to meaning and happiness. Studies, quotes from influential voices, and personal ambition all reinforce the idea that ignoring dreams leads to regret and a wasted life.
Following Your Dreams Can Distract You
The obvious conclusion is that we are foolish if we don’t follow our dreams—but that conclusion is completely wrong from God’s perspective. Following your dreams can distract you from God’s purpose and can send you confidently in the wrong direction.
A Picture of Misguided Direction
Like a traveler heading east while believing he is going west, following dreams can feel right while moving us farther from where we need to be. Sincerity does not guarantee correctness.
God’s Will Versus Personal Desires
Scripture warns believers not to spend their lives chasing personal desires but eagerly doing God’s will. Chasing dreams and following God’s agenda compete with one another—we cannot do both.
True Abundant Life Comes Through Service
God calls believers to use their gifts to serve others. Serving God and people—not pursuing personal dreams—is the fountain of the abundant, meaningful life Jesus promised.
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