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When it comes to our spiritual journey, many of us find ourselves questioning where we stand. Are we growing in our relationship with Christ? Are we doing enough? How do we move forward when we feel stuck?

These questions are normal, but they can also become roadblocks if we allow them to paralyze us. Today, we'll explore what it means to have a real, authentic walk with Jesus and how to overcome the obstacles that stand in our way.

The Intimidation of Other Christians' Walks

Have you ever felt intimidated by other Christians? Perhaps you know someone who can quote Scripture perfectly, or who always seems to have the right words to comfort others, or whose family life appears flawless.

This intimidation is real. Even those in leadership positions can feel it. When surrounded by strong, authentic Christians, it's easy to question your own walk: "Why isn't my walk where theirs is? Why am I not getting it right?"

Satan uses this intimidation against us. He whispers that if others knew our struggles, they would shun us or deem us unworthy. But John 8:44 reminds us that Satan "is a liar and the father of lies." He will find ways to use even good things against us.

How Do I Overcome Spiritual Intimidation?

The key to overcoming this intimidation is developing authentic, real relationships with those who intimidate you. When you're willing to be vulnerable about your struggles, you'll discover something surprising: they have their own list of struggles too.

That person who quotes Scripture perfectly might be struggling with relationships at home. We all have our struggles and our strengths—they're gifts from God. We cannot let Satan use them against us.

Common Obstacles to an Authentic Walk with Jesus

1. Busyness and Everyday Responsibilities

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to growing in our walk with Jesus is simply being too busy. Between family, work, hobbies, and daily responsibilities, most of us end each day with items still on our to-do list. We're exhausted, and spiritual disciplines often get pushed aside.

2. Temptation to Sin

We live in a world full of temptation. It's in our schools, on our TVs, in social media, music, and sometimes in the people we associate with. It's everywhere.

But here's the truth: you're not special in your struggles. These temptations have existed since the beginning of time. They may look different now, but they're the same core issues humans have always faced.

What Does Scripture Say About Growing in Our Walk?

In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, Paul writes to believers who were already living in a way that pleased God. But he doesn't stop there. He urges them "to do this more and more."

Why? Because Paul understood human nature. When we think we've "arrived" spiritually, we tend to take our foot off the gas and relax. But Paul knew that good is not good enough.

The reality is that we're always in motion spiritually. If we're not moving forward in our relationship with Christ, we're moving backward. There is no standing still.

God's Expectation for Our Walk

In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 7, Paul explains: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified, that you should avoid sexual immorality, that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."

Scripture clearly tells us that God's will is for us to be godly, to follow Him, and to live with integrity. But how do we do this in a world so full of distractions, temptations, and busyness?

How Do I Develop a Stronger Walk with Jesus?

It Starts with Desire

A real walk with Jesus begins with desire—a commitment in your heart to grow closer to Him. But desire alone isn't enough.

Think about any skill you've developed or goal you've achieved. Maybe it was learning to play an instrument, excelling in a sport, or advancing in your career. Desire got you started, but discipline got you results.

Desire Plus Discipline Equals Results

If you truly desire a deeper walk with Jesus, you must examine your priorities. Where does your relationship with Him rank on your list? Are there things you're prioritizing above it?

A relationship with Jesus isn't about checking off items on a list, but there are disciplines that can help us grow:

1. Time Management

When you say you don't have time to read your Bible or pray, ask yourself: "What could I have given up for 30 minutes today that is less important than my relationship with God?"

2. Prayer Life

Many of us struggle with prayer. We praise God, present our requests, and then move on without listening. But prayer is a two-way conversation. God wants to speak to us, but we must be disciplined enough to listen.

3. Thought Life

Our thoughts matter to God. Jesus can see everything in our minds—not just inappropriate language, but anger, pride, lust, and other unhealthy thoughts. We need to be disciplined about what we allow to dwell in our minds.

4. Christian Relationships

Surrounding yourself with strong, authentic Christians is important, but it's not enough to just be in their presence. You must be willing to be real and vulnerable with them about your struggles.

Hebrews 3:12-13 reminds us: "See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart and turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

This makes us responsible not just for our own hearts, but for the hearts of those around us. We need to encourage each other, walk together, and build each other up.

What Does Forward Movement Look Like?

Walking physically requires movement—one step in front of the other. Sometimes the steps are big, sometimes they're small, but nothing happens without movement.

Our relationship with Christ works the same way. We must keep moving forward, even when it's difficult. Sometimes we'll be trudging through muddy bogs, taking tiny steps. Other times, we'll take giant leaps and feel on top of the world.

The key is continuous movement forward. As soon as you stop, you start going backward. That's what a real relationship with Jesus looks like—constant, intentional movement toward Him.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to take one specific step forward in your walk with Jesus. It doesn't have to be a giant leap—even a small step counts as movement.

Maybe it's committing to 15 minutes of Bible reading each day. Perhaps it's being vulnerable with a trusted Christian friend about an area where you're struggling. It could be eliminating something from your schedule to make more time for prayer.

Whatever it is, don't let Satan's lies keep you from moving forward. Don't let him tell you that you're not good enough or that others will judge you. Take that step, however small, and keep moving toward Jesus.

Ask yourself these questions:

What is one area of my spiritual life where I've been stagnant or moving backward?

What specific step can I take this week to move forward in that area?

Who can I invite into my journey to provide accountability and encouragement?

What lies from Satan have I been believing that are holding me back?

 

Remember, a real walk with Jesus isn't about perfection—it's about progression. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.