I don’t want to be a Christian anymore because I can’t be “good”

ByAlba Romero

For many of us raised in Christian households, our parents often used the Bible to enforce good behavior.

The problem with that teaching is it leads us to believe God only wants us when we’re good, distorting our understanding of what it truly means to be a Christian.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we’re always good, nor does it mean we’re perfect. 

All of us fall short of being perfect.

“As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;”

Romans 3:10

Also, Ecclesiastes 7:20 says: “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”

When we understand that God knows about our shortcomings, then we can stop trying to impress him. God sees beyond our masks. This is where the gospel truly enters our lives.

Once we reach the point of being tired of living a sinful lifestyle—always trying but never succeeding in living differently—we can finally surrender to Jesus Christ.

This surrender means we stop trying to be “good” on our own. Through the power of the gospel, we can live righteously. It’s not about our own strength; it’s through Jesus alone that we can flee from old desires.

Being righteous doesn’t come from religion. Instead, the desire to do “good” arises from our love for God, which develops through our daily relationship with Him.

The following explains why God does not grant salvation based on how “good” we perform.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

This change in our lifestyle may be hard at first, but God will mold us day by day until we mature and are able can withstand all the darts the enemy throws at us.

Does this mean we are free to sin whenever we want?

Not exactly. While we have the freedom to choose our actions, God calls us to live with intention and purpose. If we choose to live pleasing the desires of our flesh, we may miss out on the promises God has for those who walk by faith.

Hebrews 10:26 says, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”

God calls us to be perfect

God calls us to strive for perfection. This verse encourages us to strive toward perfection.

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 5:48

Jesus teaches us that righteousness is a condition of the heart. It’s not about performing good acts for everyone to see; even the Pharisees did that! (Pharisees were people who meticulously followed religious laws.)

After all, one doesn’t have to be a Christian to do good. Anyone can be called good, but God sees beyond our actions. Being a Christian means striving to be like Jesus, and Jesus is held to high standards, not because he is unreachable, but because he is the pure definition of perfection. 

In our human nature, we are unable to reach salvation on our own, but through Jesus Christ, we are saved from being condemned for not being “good enough.”

Here are examples of how God calls us to examine our hearts (Matthew 5:21-28). This often means going beyond what the regular law requires:

  • A person charged with murder receives earthly punishment, but God will see beyond that. Whoever is angry or calls his brother “You fool!” will be judged by God. 
  • Also, when we give offerings, we must not give just to give, we must go with a pure heart. First, we must reconcile with our brother. 
  • While cheating and committing adultery are wrong, God calls us to go beyond that. We must not look at someone lustfully. If we do, we’ve already committed adultery in our hearts. 

Those examples illustrate what God means when He calls us to be “perfect.” It means going the extra mile.

Matthew 5: 46-48 says, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Does this mean I will never sin again?

Let’s remember, we all fall short. That’s why being a Christian is a lifelong journey and lifestyle.

While we may overcome some sins we were once bound to, we might still struggle with others—whether in our thoughts or in different areas of life. When that happens, we need a strategy to prevent them from taking root in us.

As long as we live in our earthly bodies, we will continue to face temptations. The key is fleeing from sin, and knowing that it’s through Jesus Christ that we can live righteously.

Prayer for acceptance

Dear God, 

I can’t be “good” on my own. Today, I surrender my old ways of thinking. Take authority over the lies that distort who you are and why you love me. Help me to stop trying to control my own destiny. I lay down the weight of condemnation and the pursuit of perfection before you. Carry my yoke and allow me to know that it’s only through you that I am saved. Carry my burdens, and let me know that my salvation is through you alone. Break the cycle of sin in my life. Help me to receive your truth and strive to reflect Jesus in all I do. Work in the areas of my heart that need refinement. Strengthen me to go the extra mile, as you have done for me. When I sin, lead me to repentance. In the name of Jesus, Amen.