This is Part II of ‘Barriers to Spiritual Growth.’
Find a Starting Point
The other day I was thinking about my days of baton twirling, public speaking and yearbook. Three different activities that I really enjoyed in school and gave my very best to. Each one of those interests gave me a starting point with which to work from. There were stages to navigate through and tasks to master. There were difficulties and challenges that required every ounce of dedication and practice I could give.
Many times I pushed beyond my comfort zone because I wanted to be successful. I spent hundreds and even thousands of hours rehearsing and perfecting each skill set.
Today, I can say that two of those activities continue to be a regular part of my life and career, so the time was well spent.
Growing in God’s Word
But can I say the same for my spiritual journey? Is my investment and commitment to God just as consistent and intense as my training for those extra activities? Am I equipping myself to stand strong in His Word?
Like those activities, my spiritual journey had a starting point too. There were days I got off track and spent my time doing other things, but God continued in His pursuit of me. Growing in His Word is a lifelong process and the progress we make as Christians is a direct correlation to the hours we spend reading the Bible, praying, investing in quiet time, and memorizing His Word.
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”
John 5:39 NIV
Jesus is the source of ALL things spiritual. Never forget that. We can trust Him, depend on Him, pray to Him and connect with Him. And, it is our growth that transforms us to be secure in His Word.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
The beauty of knowing God is that even when we get distracted from focusing on Him, He allows us a do-over, another starting point to regain our footing. Strengthening our relationship with God deepens our spiritual growth. Here four more barriers that can hinder, distract and interfere with all God has for us. (I’ve included the link to last week’s post at the bottom)
Four More Barriers to Spiritual Growth
5. Discord
Nobody wants to hear this, but discord and drama ooze from people who feel the need to stir up trouble, gossip about others and/or cause division among those who would normally NOT be divided. Some people look for opportunities to start trouble. Others use social media to cause conflict. It seems social media has taken us down a road with little or no regard for civility. It’s so easy to treat people poorly when hiding behind a screen.
TAKE A DEEPER LOOK:
Read Romans 16:17; 2 Timothy 2:14; Proverbs 6:19
Questions:
- Do you know people who consistently feel the need to cause drama and division among people?
- What drives that kind of behavior?
- How do you personally handle discord?
6. Money
It never fails that money most always makes the list–whatever list. It’s not money itself that’s the problem; it’s the love of money and what it does to people. Money doesn’t interfere with our daily walk with Christ, but we must never let it take precedence or believe it can do more for us than our Heavenly Father.
TAKE A DEEPER LOOK:
Read Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:19; Ecclesiastes 5:10
Questions:
- Have you experienced a time when money caused problems in your marriage or family?
- How did you work through the situation and what did you learn to do differently?
7. Work and Hobbies
There is nothing wrong with an honest day’s work. In fact, many individuals and families have to put in the hours to make ends meet and pay the bills. We do what we have to do. The problem sometimes comes when overwork and too many hobbies take away time from the important things in life. The disconnect is when people start doing things out of selfish ambition or motives, instead of doing what God wants them to do.
TAKE A DEEPER LOOK:
Read Psalm 127; 1 John 2:15-17; Colossians 3:23-24
Questions:
- When it comes to work and extra activities, are you doing what God wants you to do?
- Or, are you overwhelmed and extended to the point of frustration? What changes can you make?
8. Busyness
Today we do busy better than ever before. It’s baffling to see our humanness drive us to overload ourselves, our families, and our schedules. Why would we trade a peaceful and calm life for the constant frenzy of more, more, and more? Sometimes our age allows us to handle busy a little better. Sometimes we are just tired of being tired. Whichever it is, we can all be more intentional about what we are committing our time to. Be extra thoughtful about what you say YES to.
TAKE A DEEPER LOOK:
Read Colossians 4:5; Psalm 31:15; Ecclesiastes 3:1
Questions:
- Busy comes in different seasons of life. But if you are consistently overcommitted and overwhelmed, what changes can you make to free up your schedule?
- What are you missing out on when the busyness takes up your time?
As you study the Scriptures and answer the questions I pray this list helps you think about what is standing in the way of your spiritual progress. I’ve also included the link for last week’s post, ‘Overcoming Barriers to Spiritual Growth.‘
I’m praying for you.
Blessings & Hugs,
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