Things that hinder spiritual growth sometimes choke and limit good Christian people. I share seven of those important things here.
I watched a television show yesterday that showed technicians rescuing a seal that had a fishing line caught around its neck.
The seal was only able to eat tiny amounts at a time because the fishing line had cut deeply around its neck.
The seal should have been around 350 pounds, but it was only 125 pounds.
The fishing line had choked its growth.
If you are looking for the article “7 Things That Hinder Seeing Myself Like God Sees Me” click here.
Are You Choked or Hindered in Some Way?
Spiritually speaking, for various reasons many people stay in situations and circumstances that hinder their spiritual growth.
Your Lord loves you whether you grow in your relationship with Him or not, but He would love for you to outgrow all the things that hold you back from living the amazing life of purpose He desires for you!
For example, my husband planted two fir tree seedlings in our backyard, one in the ground and the other in a pot.
Through the years, one grew large, but one did not.
Both trees received consistent water and fertilizer.
Yet, the tree in the ground grew unrestricted, and the potted tree was contained.
The potted tree lived but was a spindly, anemic little tree.
The container which had once provided protection now choked its growth.
Sometimes in life, things choke and hinder our personal spiritual growth. I will briefly consider seven of those things below. Ask yourself if any of these things sound familiar to you.
Seven Things That Hinder Spiritual Growth:
1. Distractions & Desire
First, our desire has a great deal to do with whether we will grow into spiritual maturity or not.
Amazing as this might sound, we are the ones who determine our level of hunger and desire.
In fact, you can increase desire by exercise or destroy it by neglect.
“One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet” (Proverbs 27:7).
The cares of life, the love of money, the lull of entertainment, and other desires of this world fill our soul with clutter.
When our soul is filled with clutter, we tend to neglect the sweet intimate fellowship with our Lord.
You can increase your desire for God and His kingdom by decreasing the clutter and increasing the time you spend thinking about Him.
To help train your mind to think more on God, it will help to spend more time in His Word, more time talking to Him, and more time in worship.
God doesn’t want to take away your fun! He wants you to have a full and abundant life!
He just wants to be included and to “do” life with you!
2. Sin Hinders Spiritual Growth
Secondly, God is Holy and without any kind of shadow of darkness. He cannot come near to sinful humanity without the atoning sacrifice Jesus made with His life.
What does this mean for us? This means that sin puts a hindering wall between us and God.
There are all kinds of sin. For example, there are sins both blatant and hidden, things like sexual immorality or unforgiveness, all of which hinder your prayers and relationship with God.
We need His life-giving presence to grow in faith and love, yet sin will hinder growth in all areas of our life.
The good news is this: The first step to come out of sin’s grip is to repent and ask God for help.
If you need more help getting unstuck in this area, please ask for help!
3. Negative Thinking Hinders Spiritual Growth
Thirdly, negative thinking is a bad habit which you need to address to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
These negative thoughts are void of faith in God who is the One who can do all things–even the impossible.
I used to have a habit of looking at each situation negatively and thinking it was too hard.
I decided to change my thinking, so I told myself, “My God is bigger than this situation, and He will help me.”
A few days ago, I looked back through some journal entries and saw how my thinking has changed over the years.
Another strategy the Lord impressed on my heart to overcome negativity was to document in some way my gratitude daily for a year.
This experience changed my life! For more on this, read How to Have a Happier Life by Practicing Gratitude.
Ask God for strategies to replace a negative habit with a positive, faith-filled habit.
4. Certain Relationships Hinder Spiritual Growth
Fourth, Psalm 1 says that successful people do not get tangled up with negative, wicked, or limiting people. However, successful people delight in God’s freeing Word.
The good news is you can be a successful person!
You can be planted like strong trees along the riverbank, bear abundant fruit, and be prosperous in all things you do!
I will caution you, however, that you may have to cut ties with some negative and limiting people. Relationships with some people will hinder you!
Relationships with negative or controlling people, judgmental people, gossiping friends, and people with different priorities, will all limit your growth as a person (emotionally, mentally, and spiritually).
In fact, it is dangerous to let these kinds of people influence how you live and think. These kinds of attitudes are not from God who is peace, faith, hope, and love.
Each situation is different, so ask God for strategies on how to deal with these ones.
You may have to be willing to let some people go.
Abraham and Lot were very close, yet as time went by conflict arose between them and their households. They both loved God, yet they were not able to live close together anymore. [1]
They each had different attitudes, motives, and goals.
So, they had to separate.
They were still family. They still loved one another, yet Abraham could not continue to develop into the Father of Faith while burdened with all of Lot’s family drama.
These kinds of people, if we keep allowing them to influence us, will keep us stuck in spiritual muck. Some people do not want to change; they do not want to grow.
God will bring the right relationships into your life.
“I am a companion of all those who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts” (Psalm 119:63).
5. Judgmental Attitudes Definitely Hinder Growing Spiritually
Fifthly, a judgmental attitude severely limits spiritual growth.
Sometimes this attitude can creep into our minds ever so subtly and can have deep roots. Once you start honestly looking for this in your own life, you will see it everywhere. For example, have you ever judged someone’s appearance?
Christians seem to be the worst at judging others. Many of us don’t try to understand where other people come from.
We speak disparaging words and think judgmental thoughts about others.
And we do not understand other people’s situations, actions, or choices, and we do not know the intent of their hearts!
When we pass judgment on others, we usurp God’s authority to judge.
Yet, God is the only judge who can judge rightly.
This leaves our lives open to the boomerang!
“For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; (Romans 2:1) also (Matthew 7:1-5).
To illustrate this point, consider that judging another person is like throwing a boomerang.
When we judge another person in any area, that same judgment is boomeranged back to us.
Even if we do not see this in ourselves, we either already do the same kind of thing, or we will do the same kind of thing.
It is a spiritual law.
If we look with an honest heart, we can see these things in our own life.
The continuing judgment cycle prevents spiritual growth.
Yet, the cycle stops with acknowledgment and repentance!
6. Unhealthy Submission to Religion Limits Spiritual Growth
Sixth, as you know, church—in all its forms—is meant to help you in your journey towards a deeper relationship with God.
The problem comes when a church takes the place of God in our lives.
A church can morph into what is commonly called “legalism.”
Legalism emphasizes doing lots of things to be saved or doing lots of things to please God.
There is pressure to conform to laws and customs. There is little or no teaching on God’s amazing goodness and grace.
[Reminder: God saved you by His amazing grace by faith alone! Your Lord loves you and values you simply because you are His child!]
Legalistic ideology limits growth, and yet it is extremely difficult to get untangled from!
Christians in these legalistic situations submit to things God does not require because of what others may think, or tradition, or fear.
They submit to people who continue to control their clothes, time, behavior, relationships, and money.
Literally and spiritually, the person/church/organization/tradition/culture is placed on a pedestal above God.
The Mixed Message Problem
Some church situations are more difficult to discern because they teach a mixed message. In these cases, it may be hard to realize how stuck you are until you are away from the situation.
If you suspect you might be in this situation, begin to seek the Lord in earnest for how to get unstuck from this type of bondage.
I suggest you read Galatians every day. Then share your situation with someone you can trust to help who is outside the situation.
Most importantly, God is cheering for you! He loves you and wants you to experience His freedom!
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV).
7. Fear of Change
Do you have a desire to do something, but never do it?
It can be hard to step out of our comfort zone; it can be scary. Yet, God calls us to face our fears and do amazing things. Jesus will be there to help you.
Fear is going to try to hinder you until you conquer it. Do it afraid.
The hardest part is getting over the initial inertia—just get started!
You may have to take small steps forward at first. But take a step of faith, then do the next step, then the next step, then the next.
Soon you will have followed Jesus into an amazing and purposeful life!
All you need is the next step!
Conclusion
In conclusion, our roots need to have room to grow.
We need to have the chokeholds broken from our necks and receive the living water and fresh Word that nourishes our souls.
God has amazing plans for us!
He wants to root and ground us in His love (Eph 3:17).
Also, He allows us to be challenged by freedom, trust, and experiences (Eph 4:17).
Some people may be comfortable in their bondage, but comfort does not equal growth.
That spindly little seedling fir tree had grown as far as it could grow in that little pot.
The poor seal was stuck at 125 pounds when it should have been 350 pounds.
They were alive, but barely! They were both restricted, hindered, and choked.
My granddaughter and I watched as technicians rescued that poor sick seal. When they broke its bonds, it freely slid back into the ocean where it could eat, live, and grow unrestrictedly.
Grow Freely
My husband planted that little tree in the rich fertile earth, so now it is growing free from the bonds that hindered its growth. Now it shows signs of renewed life in its limbs.
The Spirit of the Lord brings freedom, even if there may be a struggle to get free! We can break free from all the things that hinder our spiritual growth.
God has such wonderful plans for you! He has amazing hope and a purposeful future that is good!
He is simply waiting for you to grow up into them and break the things that hinder spiritual growth!
My Prayer for You:
Dear Lord, I ask you to help this reader find freedom from all the things that hinder spiritual growth. Give them abundant grace, mercy, and strength to honestly face any places that are hindering their spiritual and emotional growth.
Jesus, you came to free the captives. I pray for the one that agrees this moment with this prayer that you will BREAK the bonds that hold them captive, now, in Jesus’ Name.
Additionally, bring deliverance and peace, Jesus! Thank you! We love you! Now, Jesus, I ask you to direct this one to the right path, and connect them with the right people in the right places you have for them. Amen!
Read 38 Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth
. . .
Notes: 1. Genesis 13.
Amazon Journal: Learn to Grow Spiritually by Awakening to More God’s Presence!
Related Articles on Spiritual Growth
- The Biggest Obstacle to Spiritual Growth
- The Ultimate Key to Spiritual Growth is Pruning
- Weaning For Spiritual Growth
- The Thing About Fire . . . Keeping Your Spiritual Passion Alive
. . .
Scripture says that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Yet, many of us sit and think, “That doesn’t apply to me.” I want to encourage everyone who reads this with these words, “Yes, that means you!” You, nor I, may not see or understand where we are. Yeah, right. NOT! Somewhere deep inside there is an annoying gnawing going on. God has sent confirmation upon confirmation about things that dam up the flow of His Spirit in and through you. Take down the religious facade. Yes, this means you. This means me too.
As a minister and teacher I got caught up in stuff: practices, programs, etc. and became indifferent. Whew! I said it!. Anyway, I was one who kept thinking,’That’s not for me.’ Thank God for His Holy Spirit that kept nudging,and kept confirming through His vessels. If you are reading this please take it to heart. Accept, confess, repent, now let Him do the rest. And for those who are pastors, teachers, etc., make sure you are first partakers.
I really didn’t plan to write all of this, but hopefully someone who is resisting will yield. Yes, this means you.
To the author: Thank you for hearing God and allowing Him to teach you these practical principles. Powerful. I’d like permission to share as I continue my journey of healing and growth.
Thank you so much Linda for your comments! God bless you in your spiritual growth journey. Yes, you may use and distribute copies of this article; simply reference my name and website link, please. I pray the Holy Spirit uses this little article to free many people from obstacles and hindrances!
God bless you so much for this article, am blessed and I can now feel that some things have left me. God bless you
Praise the Lord! I pray God continues to bless your walk with Him!
You made a good point that being receptive to change is a good way be more aware of one’s growth as a person. I’m considering to make my daughter undergo an online spiritual healing therapy for teens. Since her school is closed, she wouldn’t be able to their yearly retreat so this would be a good substitute to help with her faith building.
thanks a lot, this has really helped me, to deal with spiritual barriers and hindrances. please keep posting to me
I have been blessed by this message and I know that a lot of people I’ve also be blessed thank you so much and I pray that God will give you the inspiration to write more articles that will inspire people and uplift their lives to be a better person in Jesus mighty name I pray amen
I’m really touched by this write-up. May the Lord increase you in His wisdom in Jesus name amen.
Am still struggling to grow spiritually especially this time am heart broken ? after losing three siblings within the space of ten months. Please I will be grand if I will be getting time of articles to encourage myself, thanks.
I’m so sorry to hear about your losses! I pray God surrounds you with His arms of love and be your comfort!
Dear one, if you would like to receive more articles, can you sign up with this link: https://dr-cynthia-johnson-deeper-walk-ministries.ck.page/1aef657c08
You have been speaking directing to my heart thru your wonderful servant Dr Johnson. I have walked away before from Jesus thinking I was saved but it took till I was 65 years old to turn back because of health problems. I was stubborn and rebellious. I cried out to God thinking he wouldn’t know. But He was there. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for your Grace and Mercy.
I’m blessed with your message….may God help you to acquire more wisdom and straight to do his work… Amen
Nice article. Lust and desire biggest hurdle which hinder spiritual growth.
Thanks for the article.
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