Stumbling Blocks that hinder Spiritual Growth

As Christians, we are called to move forward in our faith. The apostle Paul set the example for us when he said: "I press toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). You are not supposed to stay in the same place spiritually year after year. God wants you to grow. But often we get stuck, usually because of one of these six roadblocks:

Lack of spiritual hunger:  God is looking for people who refuse to be content with where they were last year. You must ask the Holy Spirit to set your heart ablaze with a desire for more of His presence and power. David is our example of spiritual hunger. He wrote: "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after You, O God" (Psalm 42:1). We can't use our discouragement as an excuse. David fanned the flames of spiritual fervor even when he felt like quitting.

Laziness: Paul exhorted the Romans, (see chapter 12:11-12) to be "fervent in spirit," but first he warned them not to be lazy. If you are sitting on your dreams or procrastinating when you should be growing your faith, the "lazy" label applies. Be consistent and keep going.

Unpacked baggage: The Israelites who left Egypt could have marched into the Promised Land in a matter of weeks, but they ended up in a holding pattern for 40 years. Why? They were dragging their sin with them. The more weight you drag behind you, the less likely it is that you will reach your destination. You may think you can manage your sin, but it is more powerful than you are. Repent, confess your weakness to someone else and get free.

Fear of change: Nothing will keep you in spiritual limbo like fear. It paralyzes. Some people keep their dreams inside them for decades—and then they take them to the grave. If you want to grow, you must take risks. Don't let your fear of public speaking, airplanes, crowds, strangers or people's criticism stop you from trusting in the God who is bigger than all those things.

Shallow relationships:  Abraham had to part ways with Lot because they had very different goals. Lot had a selfish motive, and Abraham was fully surrendered to God's plan. If you spend all your time with selfish people who are content to live spiritually fruitless lives, you will end up just like them. Some people don't want God's presence. Don't let them drag you down.

A religious spirit: God does not stay in the same place or do things the same way. His character is unchangeable, but He always has a fresh word and a new anointing to pour on His people. Don't let religious inflexibility keep you from experiencing the adventure of following His Spirit.