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Dreams Not Schemes
Are you living your life trying to impress others, or are you living in a way that pleases God? In her Christian poem, Dreams Not Schemes, Greta Zwaan reminds us that while we may be able to hide our actions from others, nothing is hidden from God. He knows our hearts, our thoughts, and the choices we make.
Sometimes people believe that success, recognition, or doing good deeds will make up for the wrong choices they have made. But this poem reminds us that living an honest life and putting our trust in Jesus are far more important than gaining the approval of others.
We all make mistakes, and none of us is perfect. The encouraging message in these verses is that through Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness and a new beginning. We do not have to live pretending to be someone we are not. When we put our faith in Him, we can live with greater peace, knowing that His grace offers us a fresh start.
As you read this poem, may it encourage you to examine your own choices, trust in God's guidance, and remember that a life built on faith and honesty is worth far more than the praise of the world.
Updated October 22, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Dreams Not Schemes
Poet: Greta Zwaan, © 2009
There are no schemes in this world,
Although you might think it so,
The deeds of darkness come to light,
There's nothing God can't know.
You may think that no one sees,
That no one is aware,
That others are preoccupied,
That others do not care.
Your record may seem clean to you,
Your conscience without shame,
But every sin that you have done
Is marked down in your name.
You cannot cancel out your guilt,
The deeds you thought unseen,
One little error on your part
Declares your slate unclean.
The philanthropic works you do,
The funds that you disperse,
The recognition of your name
Across the universe
The falsehood underneath it all,
The fraud, the claim to fame,
Presented you applause of men
And gave you that acclaim.
But secrets are exposed by God,
When judgment rolls around,
Things the masses did not know,
Is news God will spread around.
The very best you can achieve,
To be honest, just and true;
You'll never need to be on guard,
God will be pleased with you.
Let Jesus be your cleansing power,
Let Him fulfill your dreams,
Once you have been born again,
You need plan no more schemes.
The Message Behind Dreams Not Schemes
Greta Zwaan's poem reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. A person may seem successful, generous, or respected by others, yet God sees beyond what the world sees. He knows not only what we do but also the reasons behind our actions.
The poet points out that we cannot erase our mistakes simply by doing good deeds or gaining recognition. While helping others is important, true forgiveness comes through Jesus Christ. It is through His grace that we can find a new beginning.
Another important lesson is the value of honesty. When we live truthfully and treat others fairly, we do not have to worry about keeping up appearances or hiding what we have done. There is freedom in knowing that our words and actions reflect what we believe.
The final stanza brings a message of hope. Rather than depending on schemes to get ahead in life, we can place our trust in Jesus. When we seek His guidance and follow His teachings, our dreams can be shaped by faith, integrity, and a desire to do what is right.
Key Reflections In This Poem
-
God Knows Our Hearts
We may be able to hide our thoughts and actions from others, but nothing is hidden from God. Living with this understanding encourages us to be honest in everything we do. -
Honesty Brings Peace
When we choose to live truthfully, we do not have to worry about keeping secrets or pretending to be someone we are not. An honest life allows us to face each day with a clearer conscience. -
Forgiveness Comes Through Jesus
Good deeds alone cannot erase the mistakes we have made. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness and the opportunity for a new beginning. -
Trust God With Your Dreams
The world's approval may bring temporary satisfaction, but faith offers something far more lasting. When we trust God and follow His guidance, we can pursue our dreams without relying on dishonesty or deception.
Popular Pages
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Conclusion
Greta Zwaan's poem, Dreams Not Schemes, reminds us that a meaningful life is not measured by how much recognition we receive or how successful we appear to others. What matters most is the honesty of our hearts, the choices we make, and our willingness to follow God's guidance.
We all fall short at times, but through Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness and the courage to begin again. Rather than spending our lives trying to impress others or hiding our mistakes, we can choose to live with integrity and faith. May this poem encourage you to trust God with your future, knowing that His guidance can lead you toward a life filled with purpose and peace.
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