Obstacles In Discipleship
10 obstacles for the followers of Christ
The obstacles to discipleship are a great battle for our local churches. To keep them in our minds, daily, will benefit us in the nurturing of the body around us. Here are a list of ten obstacles in discipleship:
1. Distractions and Busyness: The busyness of life and the constant distractions of this world can hinder our commitment to discipleship. It is essential to prioritize and make time for intentional discipleship, setting aside distractions and focusing on our relationship with God.
2. Lukewarm Christianity: The cultural pressure to conform to the world's standards often leads to a lukewarm approach to discipleship. Half-hearted commitment and compromise can hinder our growth and effectiveness as disciples of Jesus. We must wholeheartedly surrender to Christ and strive for a vibrant and passionate faith.
3. Lack of Biblical Knowledge: A lack of knowledge and understanding of God's Word can hinder discipleship. Without a solid foundation in Scripture, we may fall prey to false teachings and be ill-equipped to disciple others. It is crucial to prioritize studying and meditating on the Bible to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God's truth.
4. Fear of Persecution: The fear of persecution and opposition can discourage believers from openly expressing and living out their faith. The pressure to conform to societal norms can hinder our willingness to stand firm in our discipleship. We must remember that Jesus warned us of persecution and be willing to endure and persevere for the sake of our faith.
5. Self-centeredness and Pride: Discipleship requires humility and selflessness. However, our natural inclination towards self-centeredness and pride can hinder our ability to fully surrender to Christ and serve others. We must continually examine our hearts and strive to cultivate a spirit of humility and servant-heartedness.
6. Lack of Accountability and Mentorship: Without accountability and mentorship, it can be challenging to stay on track in our discipleship journey. Having trusted individuals who can challenge, encourage, and guide us is crucial for our spiritual growth. We must seek out mentors and accountability partners who can help us stay accountable and provide wise counsel.
7. Worldly Influences and Temptations: The world constantly bombards us with worldly influences and temptations that can divert our focus from discipleship. The allure of materialism, worldly success, and sinful pleasures can pull us away from our commitment to follow Christ. We must guard our hearts and be discerning in our choices and associations.
8. Spiritual Warfare: The enemy seeks to hinder and disrupt our discipleship journey through spiritual warfare. Satan and his forces will try to discourage, deceive, and tempt us away from our commitment to Christ. We must be aware of his tactics and rely on the power of God and His armor to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.
9. Lack of Discernment: The inability to discern truth from error can hinder our discipleship. False teachings and deceptive ideologies can lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth. We must cultivate discernment through studying God's Word, being guided by the Holy Spirit, and seeking wise counsel from mature believers.
10. Complacency and Contentment with Mediocrity: A complacent and content attitude towards our spiritual growth can hinder our discipleship. Settling for mediocrity and being satisfied with a shallow faith can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of discipleship. We must strive for excellence in our pursuit of Christ and continually seek to grow and mature in our faith.
In addressing these obstacles, it is important to recognize them, pray for strength and guidance, and actively take steps to overcome them through the power of the Holy Spirit and with the support of fellow believers. It’s easy when surrounded by comfort and security to grow tired and to lower our defenses. It’s easy to grow careless and numb to the threats around us. Let us be self-reflective when looking over these obstacles, and then let us encourage others to change with us.