Some Things Inhibit Spiritual Growth

The question: What Hinders Spiritual Growth?

To say that some things assist in spiritual growth, while others can stymie spiritual growth is elementary. And yet, it’s easy enough to forget that spiritual growth requires personal growth – that a spiritual life must be lived.

We’ve already reviewed some very basic things that you can do every day to facilitate spiritual growth and to increase our spiritual effectiveness. Let’s now take a look at what might hinder our growth (or at least what has hindered my spiritual growth in the past).

One Major Hindrance

Failure to submit my life and my actions to Jesus.

That’s it. I could probably try to break down my experience into categories such as sin or lack of knowledge. Or talk about selfishness or laziness or pride. Or perhaps knowing the Word of God but not living it. But ultimately it comes down to that one thing – not submitting my life to Jesus.

When I fail to spend time with God in personal devotion, I’m not submitting to God.
When I don’t express God’s love to somebody, I’m not submitting to God.
When I choose my pleasure instead of God’s best for me, I’m not submitting to God.
When I fill my life with things other than God, I’m not submitting to God.

It’s My Fault

My failure to grow is not the fault of my circumstances. Or the work of the devil. Or the fault of society. Or a plot by the educational system – or whatever else might be the recipient of my blame. The fault is mine.

The Solution is Simple

• Submit and draw near to God
• Resist the devil
• Purify my life, heart, and thinking
• Be sober-minded

In short – repent and seek God’s forgiveness.

James 4:7-10
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.