Good vs. Great: Don’t Settle for Less Than God’s Best

Picture of Marissa Leinart
Marissa Leinart

Have you ever felt like you’re doing enough, but deep down, you know you’re not truly thriving? Maybe you have a decent job, a good family life, and a steady routine. But something inside you whispers, There’s more.

The danger isn’t always choosing between good and bad—it’s choosing between good and great. Often, we settle for what is comfortable and safe, instead of stepping into the greater things God has planned for us.

Scripture reminds us, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT). Yet too often, we stop at good enough and never experience the fullness of God’s best.

Why? Because good is easier. It’s familiar. But God calls us to more—to a life of faith, boldness, and purpose.


The Comfort Trap: Why We Settle for Good

Choosing good over great often comes down to fear and comfort. Here’s how this plays out in our lives:

  • Fear of failure – We don’t want to risk stepping out and falling short, so we settle.
  • Fear of disappointment – What if we pursue something greater and it doesn’t work out?
  • Fear of losing control – Going after great often requires trusting God in ways that stretch us.
  • Comfort in routine – Good feels safe. It doesn’t demand change, effort, or deep faith.

But Jesus didn’t call us to a life of comfortable faith. He called us to follow Him, even when it’s hard, uncertain, or challenging. “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NLT).

The enemy loves when we settle for good because it keeps us from stepping into God’s true calling for our lives.


Biblical Examples: Choosing Great Over Good

Throughout Scripture, we see people who had to choose between settling and stepping into something greater.

1. Moses: From Comfort to Calling

Moses had a stable life in Midian as a shepherd. But when God called him to lead Israel out of slavery, he resisted. He doubted himself, made excuses, and wanted to stay in his comfort zone (Exodus 3-4). But once he obeyed, he became one of the greatest leaders in history.

2. The Rich Young Ruler: A Life of Good, But Not Great

In Matthew 19:16-22, a wealthy young man asked Jesus how to gain eternal life. He had kept all the commandments—he was good. But Jesus told him to give up his wealth and follow Him. The man couldn’t do it. He walked away sad, because he chose good over great.

3. Peter: Stepping Out of the Boat

In Matthew 14:28-29, Peter saw Jesus walking on water and asked to come to Him. He actually walked on water—until fear crept in, and he started sinking. The lesson? Faith moves us from good to great, but doubt can pull us back.


What Holds You Back from Greatness?

If you feel stuck in “good enough,” ask yourself:

  • Am I holding on to comfort instead of faith?
  • Am I afraid of failure more than I trust God’s plan?
  • Am I too focused on what I have to lose instead of what I have to gain?

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). God’s best for you isn’t just a life of survival—it’s a life of purpose, passion, and faith.


How to Step Into God’s Best

1. Renew Your Mind

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You won’t step into greatness if your mindset is stuck in mediocrity. Spend time in the Word, surround yourself with faith-filled people, and challenge old beliefs that keep you small.

2. Let Go of Fear

Fear will always try to hold you back. But Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Whatever God calls you to, He will equip you for.

3. Take Faith-Filled Action

God won’t force you into greatness—you have to take the steps. Whether it’s applying for that job, starting that ministry, or stepping into a deeper relationship with Him, obedience unlocks blessings.

4. Trust God’s Process

Growth isn’t instant. It requires stretching, waiting, and trusting. But God’s plans for you are always greater than your own (Jeremiah 29:11).


Choosing Greatness Starts Today

So, what will you choose—good or great?

God has so much more for you than you can imagine, but you have to be willing to trust Him and step out. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

Don’t let fear, comfort, or doubt keep you from the abundant life God has for you. Start today. Choose faith over fear, trust over comfort, and God’s best over “good enough.”

Because good is the enemy of great—but God is calling you higher.

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