Hey friend, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we, as Christians, often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and somewhere along the way, our spiritual growth takes a hit.
Sometimes, we don’t even realize what’s happening until we look back and realize we’ve strayed a little too far from the path.
I know it’s not intentional—we all want to grow in our faith, be better followers of Christ, and experience that deep, intimate relationship with God.
But the truth is, there are some mistakes we often make that can slowly sabotage that growth.
So, let’s take a deep breath and go through 10 mistakes that could be holding us back.
Trust me, I’m saying this out of love, as someone who’s walked through these struggles myself.
1. Neglecting Daily Time with God
You know that moment when you wake up, check your phone, and get lost in the day’s worries?
It’s easy to skip your quiet time with God when the world’s demands are so loud.
But here’s the thing: you can’t grow spiritually if you’re not spending time with the One who makes your spirit come alive.
Jesus tells us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).
Neglecting daily communion with God isn’t just a habit; it’s a spiritual lifeline that keeps your soul nourished.
Without it, you’re running on empty.
2. Relying on Others for Your Faith
It’s wonderful to have a church family, friends, or a mentor to encourage you in your walk with God.
But here’s where we often slip up: relying on others to build our faith. You can’t live on someone else’s spiritual experiences.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:12, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” You are responsible for your own relationship with God.
Don’t let your spiritual growth be a reflection of someone else’s faith.
Take ownership of your own journey!
3. Ignoring the Word of God
I get it. The Bible can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many chapters, and the language might seem old-fashioned. But God’s Word is the very foundation of our faith. Without it, you’re like a plant with no roots.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
You see, without the Bible, you’re not equipped to face the challenges that come your way. So, get into it. Read it. Memorize it. Let it change you from the inside out.
Top 3 Best-Selling Christian Books for January 2025
4. Staying in the Same Spiritual Place
Are you still where you were a year ago in your faith?
Or five years ago?
Spiritual stagnation happens when we stop pressing forward.
Growth requires change, and change requires action.
Jesus (Yahshua) didn’t come just so we could be comfortable; He came to transform us.
In 2 Peter 3:18, we’re told, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Growth takes effort.
Don’t settle for where you are. Press on for more of God’s presence in your life.
5. Letting Sin Go Unaddressed
If we’re being honest, this one hits hard, right?
We all have areas of weakness and temptation.
But here’s the thing: sin, when left unchecked, will choke out your spiritual growth.
It’s like letting weeds take over a garden.
You’ll start to notice the good things in your life getting overshadowed by guilt, shame, and distance from God.
1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession isn’t just about saying “sorry”—it’s about turning away from what’s holding you back and allowing God’s grace to change you.
Don’t let sin derail your spiritual journey.
Deal with it before it deals with you.
6. Avoiding Community
I know it’s easy to want to be independent, to think that your walk with God is a solo journey.
But guess what? We weren’t meant to do this alone.
God created us for relationship—with Him and with one another.
In Hebrews 10:25, we are told, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
We need each other for encouragement, accountability, and support.
If you’re not plugged into a community of believers, you’re missing out on one of the best tools for growth.
Don’t isolate yourself.
Get involved.
Share life with other Christians.
7. Prioritizing Comfort Over Calling
Let’s be real.
The world tells us to go after comfort, to find our “happy place,” and avoid pain.
But God’s call on our lives doesn’t always lead us to a life of ease.
Sometimes, spiritual growth happens in the fire, not the comfort zone.
Jesus never promised an easy life, but He promised His presence.
In Matthew 16:24, He says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
So, when life gets hard, don’t run away.
Embrace the challenge—because that’s where true growth happens.
8. Living in the Past
It’s easy to get stuck on past mistakes, regrets, and even past victories.
But spiritual growth requires forward motion.
You can’t live in the past, and you shouldn’t let it define you.
Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Let go of past failures, and don’t cling to past successes.
Your growth is in the present moment and in the future that God has for you.
9. Not Serving Others
We live in a world that tells us to look out for number one—ourselves.
But Jesus lived and taught a different way. The path to spiritual maturity is marked by serving others.
Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Serving others helps us grow in humility, love, and compassion.
It shifts our focus from our own needs to the needs of others.
If you’re not serving, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools for spiritual growth.
10. Failing to Trust God’s Timing
Lastly, this one is tough.
We all want God to answer our prayers NOW.
We want to see our dreams fulfilled, our prayers answered, and our lives transformed overnight.
But God’s timing isn’t our timing.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Trusting God’s timing requires patience. It requires faith.
And it requires believing that He knows what He’s doing, even when we don’t see the results we expect.
Focus on Your Spiritual Growth Today
Friend, I hope this list resonated with you. These mistakes aren’t here to make you feel guilty; they’re here to remind you of what might be holding you back from the abundant life God has for you.
So, let’s start today. Let’s examine our hearts, confess where we’ve gone wrong, and press forward in faith. God’s got amazing things in store for you—and I believe you’re just getting started!
(P.S. Do you want to dramatically improve your spiritual growth? If yes, join our Becoming Christians Membership Program to learn more about the Word of God and how to apply it in your daily life!)
