Three Things That Will Stop You From Growing Spiritually
Growth signals life. Anything living and not growing withers or dies soon. The same goes for your Christian faith. If you do not experience any growth in your spiritual journey with God, your passion for Him and His kingdom flames out soon. Spiritual growth is a personal and transformative journey that has a lasting impact on diverse facets of your spiritual life including, your prayer life, your devotional time, and even your dedication to Him and His will. In essence, you are not to remain the way you were when God chose you. With time, people should be witnesses of God’s transformative power at work in your life.
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
Hebrews 6:1 NKJV
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV
However, the sad truth is that there are many Christians out there struggling with spiritual growth. They are all for Christ but somehow, they cannot seem to grow past where they were when God came into their lives. If that is your case, there are certain things that need to change. Probably, there are habits or people in your life that are impeding your growth. And until removed, spiritual progress will not happen.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV
For a clearer picture, here are a few of the things that hinder spiritual development:
- Not being part of a church community: How do you expect to grow when you are not in constant fellowship with your spiritual community? It cannot happen. Matthew 18:20 is proof of that. Fellowship with the brethren is a catalyst for bringing God into our midst. He comes down and lives change. Be actively part of a church community if you want to grow. This way, you are constantly in fellowship with God, thus causing you to advance spiritually.
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20 NKJV
- Neglecting spiritual accountability: No matter how spiritual you are, there will always be a tendency for you to slip or stray from God’s path. Hence, if you are intentional about growing in God, it is wise to be spiritually accountable. Spiritual accountability involves taking full responsibility for your actions and allowing God and others to help you achieve growth. Spiritual accountability is good because it makes rooms for God and others (friends, pastors, parents) to strengthen, support, and correct you when you want to cave in.
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
- Keeping unhealthy friendships: As a Christian, refusing to let go of unhealthy friendships will always impede your progress. If you want to experience growth, then, it is important that you be friends with people who will steer you in that direction. Because two cannot walk together except when they agree.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
Amos 3:3 NKJV
Being a Christian means that you are on a spiritual journey with Jesus Christ. And nothing makes this journey more exciting and worthwhile than experiencing growth through your journey. Endeavor to cling to things that will propel you forward spiritually and you will not regret it
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