I became a believer at the age of six, when I surrendered my life to Christ. With childlike zeal, I picked up the Bible and began walking in faith, eager to live out the Christian life. But growing up without consistent discipleship meant much of my growth came through personal study and the influence of various preachers. By God’s grace, it was a rich journey learning to read the Bible for myself. But it wasn’t without mistakes. So, here are 10 mistakes I made as a new believer.
1. Treating the Old Testament as Mere Stories
I grew up loving the drama of David and Goliath; the animals of Noah’s Ark; the fire from heaven in Elijah’s story; and many other Old Testament stories. But for a long time, I treated them as nothing more than moral fables. I didn’t realise that they pointed to deeper truths about God’s justice, mercy, and plan for redemption.
The Old Testament is more than a backdrop to the New.
Furthermore, it took me a long time to recognise that the Old Testament is more than a backdrop to the New Testament. It’s part of one continuous story that finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27).
2. Wanting to Quit School to Preach
When I was about 12 years old, I was so on fire for Jesus that I wanted to drop out of school and preach full-time. School felt worldly, an obstacle to spreading the good news about Christ.
I thought the only way to serve God was through full-time preaching.
I thought that the only way to serve God and dedicate my life to him was through full-time preaching. So my mind switched off. My grades suffered. But God helped me through our school’s Principal, a believer who talked to me about being faithful where God had planted me, even at school.
3. Fasting to Twist God’s Hand
I used to fast when I really wanted something from God. I remember a time I fasted without food or drink for three days and nights, because I wanted to see God’s face. In the end, I didn’t. I thought of fasting much like spiritual bargaining, bartering with God; if I suffer enough, God will surely give me what I’m asking for.
Fasting is powerful when it’s rooted in humility and a hunger for God’s presence.
But biblical fasting isn’t about arm-twisting God. It’s about surrender. It’s a way to pray with your whole body, temporarily restraining your physical appetites, remembering that only God can satisfy your deepest longings. Fasting is powerful, yes, but only when it’s rooted in humility and a hunger for God’s presence more than his gifts.
4. Treating God Like a Genie in a Bottle
Similar to fasting, my early prayers resembled a shopping list: “Lord, give me this; fix that; help with this,” and so on. I approached God only when I needed something. Graciously, he answered many of my prayers.
But it took time to understand that he’s not just a problem-solver; he’s a loving Father. He invites me into a relationship, not just transactions. The beauty of prayer isn’t just in what I ask for, but in the one I’m speaking with.
5. Giving Financially for Selfish Reasons
I gave with the expectation to receive. I had heard the “sow a seed and reap a harvest” message so many times that I treated giving like a spiritual investment plan.
Giving is an act of worship, bringing joy to the giver and glory to God.
My awakening came when I was going through financial trouble and thought that it was because I hadn’t paid my tithe, despite being broke. I realised that I was giving to insure financial freedom in the future, instead of simply giving. True generosity is sacrificial, joyful, and detached from outcomes. God delights in cheerful givers who give out of love, not because of obligation (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving should never be treated like a life insurance; it’s an act of worship, bringing joy to the giver and glory to God.
6. Not Cultivating a Solid Prayer Life
I prayed when I had time; and when I was in trouble. Prayer was a chore, not a delight. I read the word of God, but thought that consistent prayers were for an elite group of intercessors. Over time, I realised that prayer is the lifeline of faith.
If Jesus needed to pray, how much more do we?
As J. C. Ryle says, “Faith is to the soul what life is to the body. Prayer is to faith what breath is to life. How a man can live and not breathe is past my comprehension, and how a man can believe and not pray is past my comprehension too.” Jesus himself withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). If he needed to pray, how much more do we? A strong prayer life doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built day by day in intimacy with God.
7. Chasing Every New Preacher in Town
If there was a revival meeting or a new “powerful” preacher in town, I was there. I was hungry for God, but also drawn to the hype of miraculous healings, new revelation and “demonstrations” of the Holy Spirit. Some teachings were helpful, but most of them were not.
Without discernment, I was easily impressed by charisma rather than truth. Until I learnt from a Christian friend that the word of God is the most amazing revelation you can ever receive. Now I know that spiritual maturity means weighing every message against scripture (Acts 17:11).
8. Not Taking Church Membership Seriously
I hopped from one church to another, searching for the perfect sermon, the best worship, and the most anointed preacher. I was quick to point out the weakness of a congregation and look for something better. I didn’t understand the importance of belonging and loving God’s people in their imperfection.
Lone-ranger Christianity might feel comfortable, but it’s not biblical.
God designed us for spiritual community (Hebrews 10:24-25). So, being rooted in a local church isn’t optional. It’s an essential part of the Christian life. It’s where we grow, serve, and are held accountable. Lone-ranger Christianity might feel comfortable, but it’s not biblical.
9. Separating My Christian Self From Other Selves
For a long time, I lived like I had two versions of myself. At church, I was the model believer: polite, prayerful, and fluent in Bible verses. But outside of that setting—especially at school or with friends—I could be prideful, careless with my words, or just blend in to avoid standing out. This wasn’t just spiritual immaturity; it was a form of hypocrisy.
It’s impossible to grow in grace when you’re living a lie.
Jesus consistently warned against this kind of double life while addressing the Pharisees (see, for example, Matthew 23). He didn’t do this to shame people, but because it’s impossible to grow in grace when you’re living a lie. True faith is about integrity, aligning your public and private lives. Faith isn’t something we switch on during church services. It should be who we are, everywhere, all the time.
10. Taking God’s Grace for Granted
When I first discovered God’s grace, I misunderstood it. Rather than seeing it as the strength to resist sin, I treated it as permission to indulge in sin. I thought, ‘I can always just say sorry.’ Without realising it, I had embraced a form of cheap grace, the very thing Jude 4 warns against: using grace as a license to sin.
God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, not to keep us enslaved to sin.
Over time, I learned that while God’s grace is abundant, it isn’t a free pass. God’s grace is actually a call to holiness (Romans 6:1-2). His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, not to keep us enslaved to sin. I am grateful God corrected me before I drifted too far.
Conclusion
I’ve made many mistakes in my Christian walk. I’m still learning. But God has been patient, kind, and faithful every step of the way. He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love (Psalms 103:8). Mistakes don’t define you. They can instead become moments of growth when surrendered to God.
Mistakes don’t define you. They can instead become moments of growth.
Wherever you are on your journey, keep trusting that the one who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
