Three Barriers To Spiritual Growth

I’m facebook friends with a young lady, Becky René, who’s the daughter of gospel preacher, David Cambridge, who preaches in London, England.

I don’t remember how, when, or why I became one of Becky’s facebook friends, but I’m glad I did. She’s obviously a very spiritually minded and evangelistic young lady, who provides some encouraging and sometimes humorous posts on her page.

Recently, Becky shared some thoughts she entitled “Three Barriers to Spiritual Growth.” It’s worthy of wider circulation. I hope you find it spiritually enlightening and challenging.

Three Barriers To Spiritual Growth

1. The Comfort Zone:

Explanation: Staying within familiar routines and mindsets can hinder growth because we are not pushing ourselves to deepen our faith or serve in new ways.

Scripture: Consider Romans 12:2, where Paul calls believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” which requires stepping out of old patterns.

Application: Challenge yourself to engage in spiritual practices that stretch you—such as sharing your faith, increasing time in prayer, or volunteering in areas outside your usual comfort.

2. Learned Helplessness (“I Cannot Do It” Attitude):

Explanation: This mindset reflects a belief that we are unable to change or grow, often due to past failures or a lack of trust in God’s power.

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” reminds us that with God, we are capable of more than we might believe.

Application: Recognize areas where you have limited yourself. Replace “I cannot” with “Through God, I can” and rely on His strength rather than your own.

3. The Path Of Least Resistance:

Explanation: Choosing the easiest way can lead to avoiding difficult decisions, spiritual disciplines, or sacrifices that are essential for growth.

Scripture: Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13-14, that the narrow road is hard, but it leads to life. Spiritual growth often requires taking this more challenging path.

Application: Evaluate if you are avoiding something spiritually challenging. Commit to the hard, faithful choice, even if it is uncomfortable or demanding.

While there are obviously other barriers to spiritual growth, including materialism, pride, and sensuality, Becky’s 3-point post provides fodder for us to chew on and reflect on our spiritual state.

In view of this post, some questions are in order:

1. Are you growing spiritually?

2. If not, why not?

3. Are you making excuses for a lack of growth?

4. Have you become indifferent to the need for growth?

5. Have you allowed the cares, pleasures, and possessions of this life to crowd out your desire for growth?

We need to take seriously the apostle Peter’s command, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

God wants you to grow. In the words of Eric Butterworth, “Don’t go through life, grow through life.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman