Suit Yourself
Choosing your own way may feel right, but it leads to pain. Learn what the Bible says about doing life your way versus surrendering to God's will.
Some folks don’t say it out loud, but they live it every day. “I’ll do what I want. I don’t need anyone telling me what to do. Suit yourself.” It’s a phrase we toss around like it’s no big deal. But when it comes to how we live, and who we live for, those two little words can lead to a lifetime of regret.
The Bible puts it plain: “There is a way which seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). That’s not just about dying—it’s about being separated from God. It’s about going down a road that looks good, feels right, but leads to a dead end.
Jesus told a story about a young man who thought he had it all figured out. He wanted out of his father’s house, wanted his money, and wanted his freedom. His father let him go. He didn’t argue. He didn’t fight. In a way, the father said, “Suit yourself.”
That son ran headfirst into a life of sin and waste. He lived it up for a while, until it all came crashing down. Broke, alone, and starving in a pigpen, that boy started to realize that doing things his way wasn’t working. And that’s where the turn happened. The Bible says, “he came to his senses.” That’s where real repentance starts—when you finally get honest with yourself.
We’ve all had those moments. Times we knew better but did it our way anyway. Times we pushed God to the side, ignored His Word, and told ourselves we were fine. But the fruit of rebellion always shows up. Maybe not right away, but it comes. Broken relationships. Regret. Emptiness. The kind of weariness that runs deeper than just being tired.
God doesn’t force us. He calls us. But He also warns us:
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
You sow rebellion, you reap consequences. You sow selfishness, you reap sorrow. But it works the other way too. Sow obedience, and you’ll reap peace. Sow humility, and God will lift you up.
“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
There’s no middle ground. We’re either following Christ or we’re following self. We either want His will or we want our way. And most of the time, those don’t line up.
If you’ve been living with a “suit yourself” mindset, maybe it’s time to ask a better question—What does God want for my life? His way may not always feel easy, but it leads to life. Jesus said, “I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). That life doesn’t come from doing what we want. It comes from surrender.
Don’t wait until you hit rock bottom to turn around. That prodigal son didn’t find peace until he came back to the father. The same goes for us. God’s waiting. He always is. But the longer we go our own way, the more we miss out on the life He offers.
Suit yourself? Or surrender to Him? You still get to choose.
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
