It is certainly no secret that the Christian is expected to
grow. It is something that needs to start as soon as one obeys the gospel
and it needs to continue throughout your service to the Lord upon this
earth. In 1 Peter 2:2 we read, “as
newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”
And as Christians we also ought to know that growth can NEVER stop. There
are some who have made considerable spiritual growth in their lives but they
think they have come far enough. In Christian growth, there is nothing
like retirement. 2 Peter 3:18 says “but
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Hebrews 5:12 which begins, “for by this time you ought to be teachers…”
reminds us of our stagnant growth in the Lord.
But if growth is so important, why do
we not grow as we ought to? The answer is because of obstacles that are
put in our way. Obstacles would be anything that hinders or slows our
progress toward a goal. Hebrews 12:1-2 calls upon us to “…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…”
Satan wants to hinder each of us from
growing as we ought to. He knows that spiritual maturity is his worst
enemy. That is why he will do anything he can to keep you from
growing. Paul warned the Corinthians to not let Satan take advantage of
us, “for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11). He is
looking for opportunities to devour you (1 Peter 5:8). He is a trickster,
deceiver and strategist (Eph. 6:11). That is why we must be sober and
vigilant at all times.
Challenges to Christian growth
Let us take some time to notice some of the obstacles that Satan
will put in our way to hinder spiritual growth:
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Worldliness. This is perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to growth
today. Many Christians fail to grow as they ought to because the world
has too great an influence in their lives. They want to serve the Lord,
but they don’t want to give up the world in the process. The problem is that
what makes them happy displeases God. Jesus described this situation in
the Parable of the Sower (matt. 13). That seed (the word of God) which fell on
thorny ground was described as, "he who received seed among the thorns is
he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of
riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful" (Matt 13:22). Matthew 6:24 says, “"No one can
serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else
he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and
mammon.“ (Mark 10:21). And Satan is fully aware of this and will do all
that he can to keep the ways of the world coming. John wrote, “Do not
love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the
love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust
of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the
Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15).
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Distractions. This is perhaps one of Satan's most effective weapons in
hindering our growth. He knows that all the desire in the world to do
something good is worthless if he can keep you busy doing everything else. You
can know the word of God inside and out, but if you fail to apply it, you are
not going to grow as you ought to. We live in a world that’s far too
busy. From the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed, our
schedule is micro-managed. Luke 9:57-62
shows that Jesus must be first before all things if we are to enter the kingdom
of heaven. Consider what made Mary's actions more pleasing to Jesus than
Martha when He was at their home. She knew what was most important while Martha
was "distracted over many things" (Luke 10:38-42).
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Ignorance is another deterrent to
spiritual growth. Satan loves the soul that fails to investigate
truth. He takes delight when someone reasons “I will simply follow my
heart” instead of determining whether or not something is the truth. The
Lord spoke of Israel saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”(Hosea
4:6). Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter
the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in
heaven.”(Matthew 7:21). Many who have obeyed the gospel have never been
shown what they need to do to grow into maturity (see Matt. 28:20).That is why ‘follow-ups’ and teaching are
important parts of Evangelism. They assume that all that is expected is
to "go to church on Sunday" and maybe give a little in the
collection. Jesus demanded growth and we know that ignorance is NO excuse (Acts
17:30).
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An improper mindset.
Growth starts in the mind. I believe that most people with the desire to
grow did not start with an attitude that they can’t grow. They have good
intentions, but when they see how much effort it will take, they become burdened.
The Bible is a big book to learn, changing behaviors after years is such a hard
thing to do, altering your schedule takes tremendous effort, etc.
The result of these thoughts is many think they cannot grow. If you don't think
you can grow, you are right (until you change your mind). While it is not
easy, you can reprogram your mind. That is what Paul called for in Romans
12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.” Ephesians 4:20-24 says, “But you have not so
learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as
the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the
old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in
the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created
according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” We all have
things we are passionate about. Whether it is a hobby, a cause or a
television show, we find ways to do what we want to do. When obstacles
arise, we find ways around them. It’s all about our mindset. Start
thinking about spiritual things and you will start becoming more as God would
have you to be and thus grow. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on
things above, not on things on the earth.” In Philippians 4:8, Paul
said, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are
noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are
lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there
is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.”
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Poor planning. Oftentimes we fail
to grow because we don’t give ourselves the time to do the things we need to do
to promote growth. There is always something else to do so that we don’t
have time to study, pray, visit our brethren, teach others, and for some, even
worship. When we make plans or set up commitments we don’t think about
how it will affect our spirituality. When we apply for a job, we make no
efforts to build in time to attend the worship services. When we go on
trips, we just cast God aside to pursue our pleasures. Is it any wonder
we don’t grow? Others do not have a systematic plan in place to ensure
growth. For example, if your knowledge is to increase, there needs to be
some sort of plan with which you will systematically read and study the
Bible. There is the need to set aside regular time so that you can
develop your knowledge. Another example is our failure to take a
spiritual inventory (2 Corinthians 13:5). We need to know where we are
and where we need to be if we are to start reaching toward our goals. We
also need a plan to get there. Formulating a plan is not an easy task.
Often people see where they are and where they need to be and they see the huge
gap between the two. As a result they are overwhelmed. Many in
discouragement give up. Good planning not only involves the long range
goal (growth), but short range goals and directions on how to get there.
Jesus told us to count the cost of serving Him. In Luke 14:26-33 He used
the examples of building a tower and going to war with a smaller army than the
enemy. Such efforts require planning. Truly, growth takes effort and good
planning. And Satan would love nothing more than to hinder your good
planning.
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Lack of discipline. We
have already noted that spiritual growth takes planning and a proper
attitude. Implementing these plans takes discipline. When we lack
spiritual discipline, we are not going to do that which will promote our
growth. We will allow everything that comes along to distract our
growth. Everything we start will either fail to be completed or finished
with less than our best. One who lacks discipline is quick tempered, easily
discouraged and led into sin. Because of a lack of self-control, he might
set out to do right, but quickly he returns to his old ways. Satan loves
the one who doesn’t have discipline. It doesn’t take much effort for him to
keep you from growing. Christians are called upon to exercise
self-control. It is one of the “Christian graces” (2 Peter 1:6) and a
“fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:23). Whether it be our tongues (James
3), our fleshly desires (2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 6:18), our dealing with
others (Colossians 4:5) or our tempers (Proverbs 16:32; James 1:19) we need
self-control in all we do. Jesus said, “No one having put his hand to
the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke
9:62). Hebrews 10:38 says, “Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in Him.…..” While
it is not easy, self-discipline can be learned. It is something that must be
practiced every day (1 Corinthians 9:27). As we learn to bring every
thought into captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5) and all of our actions following
the will of God, we will grow spiritually.
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Poor role models. Sometimes
people don't grow because they don't see growth in those they look up to.
The scriptures teach the importance of being a proper example (Matthew
5:14-16). This is important not only in dealing with those of the world,
but our brethren as well. When one first becomes a Christian, he begins
observing his brethren. If he sees everyone in the congregation simply
existing as they always have and that the only thing that happens is the members
“go to church”, unless he is taught differently, he is going to adopt that
same attitude. Which means his growth will be stunted. Paul told Timothy,
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit
these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2
Timothy 2:2). How was he to teach? One way was found in an earlier
letter, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers
in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy
4:12). Titus 2:3 notes that older women are to be “teachers of good
things” to the younger. This is one of many examples that could be
given which call for proper role models in all things, including growth.
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Our entertainment driven society. Although
this can be considered under worldliness; it deserves its own attention due to
the effect it has on Christian growth currently. We live in the
television, video game, computer age. For most Christians, many hours are
spent every day in front of a screen at home and now, even as we are driving
around town. The goal is to be entertained. While such media can be
good, often they have become the primary reason why we don’t grow
spiritually. We spend so much time being entertained that we have little
time left to study God’s word, pray and visit those who need edification.
Also, because of the intensity of entertainment they offer, it can make
worship, prayer and bible study boring. There are reasons why we are called
upon to make a total commitment to God. Jesus said, “No one can serve
two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he
will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You CANNOT serve God and
mammon.” (Matthew 6:24). John said, “Do not love the world or the
things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is
not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the
world” (1 John 2:15-16). Paul warned Timothy of those who would
be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness
but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). He concluded this by
saying, “and from such people turn away!” When we allow entertainment to
become an obsession in our lives, we will be affected by it. And it WILL
stunt our spiritual growth.
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Discouragement. Often times when one
observes a failure to grow in others or in one’s own life, he becomes discouraged.
When things don’t progress as quickly as he would like, he can become
frustrated and tempted to give up. Obviously, as long as this attitude is
present, growth will not be. Jesus described this heart in the parable of the
Sower. It is the stony ground. Matthew 13:20-21 says, “But he
who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and
immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures
only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the
word, immediately he stumbles.”The fact that one is discouraged is not
wrong within itself. We all become discouraged from time to time.
Even Jesus was discouraged occasionally. But the key is to keep going and
not let whatever it is that is so discouraging hinder our spiritual
growth. Realize that growth also takes time. In Galatians 6:9 Paul
said, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we
shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Growth will come “in due
season”. Be patient, growth takes time. We understand
that physically, but when it comes to spiritual matters, we want growth and we
want it right now. Well, growth doesn’t work that way spiritually either.
What can we do about the Challenges/ obstacles
The answer can be found in Hebrews 12:1-2 which
says, “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, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set
before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God.” Note how we are called upon to lay
aside every weight and run with endurance.
- First,
we have to set aside whatever it is that is an obstacle.
While that is usually not easy, it means doing all that we can to remove
the obstacle. If we have attitude problems, adjust your
attitude. If the conduct of others is discouraging you – don’t let
it. Talk to them about it (souls are at stake). Or better yet,
don’t worry about them, worry about yourself. Jesus said to
Peter when he inquired about the future of John-, “What is that to
you? You follow Me.” (John 21:22) What is needed in this
situation is for YOU to grow and do your job. MAYBE your conduct
will inspire others to do better. We MAY have to turn off the television
and computer games. If our obstacle involves sin, we need to repent,
forsake and pray (Acts 8:22)
- Second,
make a plan to grow. We have already noted that poor
planning hinders growth. The opposite is also true. If you
want to grow spiritually, you need to set aside time to study God’s word
on a daily basis. Do your Bible lessons. Pray regularly and
study HOW to pray. As much as possible, don’t neglect the church.
You NEED the local church and she needs you. Set goals to reach the
lost (ie. evangelise) and keep at it. Fast, for spiritual growth.
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Third, be patient. As we have
already noted, growth takes time. It also takes great effort.
If you are going to grow in knowledge, you have to keep studying for years.
This requires planning. If you want to be able to teach the lost, get to
work and keep at it. In time, you will begin to see the fruits of your
labour. We need to set aside time in our lives to grow. A child growing
requires several things including he has to go to school (education), eat,
exercise, and do many other things that will promote growth and health.
Conclusion
Truly, Satan
will put many obstacles in our way as we strive to grow spiritually. I am
sure there are others that could be added to this list. But these are
sufficient to keep us aware of his weapons. Let us not let ANYTHING get in the
way of our growth.
Are you allowing Satan to influence your mind to
keep you from growing? Are you growing as you ought
to? What is your answer? Amen!
