CHALLENGES TO CHRISTIAN GROWTH

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:

§   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).

§   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).

§   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). 

§   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.” 

§   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.

§   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.

§   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.

§   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.

§  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.

§  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!