Following Christ can be challenging for several reasons according to the Bible. Here are some of the key difficulties and how God’s word addresses them:
1. Our sinful nature
As humans, we are all born with a sinful nature that desires to rebel against God and His ways (Romans 3:23). Our natural instincts go against the holy standards that Jesus calls us to. Even after we put our faith in Christ, we continue battling between the flesh and the spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). Crucifying our old selfish habits and desires is difficult work (Galatians 5:24). Thankfully, God does not leave us on our own in this struggle. He gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us to resist sin and walk in righteousness (Galatians 5:16, 22-23).
2. Spiritual warfare
There is an invisible spiritual battle going on all around us between the forces of God and the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). The devil actively tries to discourage us and derail our faith by sending difficult circumstances our way or filling our minds with doubt, fear, and deception (1 Peter 5:8-9). Holding firmly to Christ amid spiritual attacks requires much prayer, discernment, and persistence (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9). But God promises to be with us and make a way through every trial (1 Corinthians 10:13).
3. Persecution and rejection
Following Jesus wholeheartedly often means facing ridicule, mistreatment, or social costs because His ways contradict worldly values and norms (John 15:18-21, 2 Timothy 3:12). Experiencing hostility from family, friends, colleagues, or society can be very disheartening. Jesus warns His disciples to count the cost of discipleship before choosing to follow Him (Luke 14:25-33). He assures that ultimately He will repay any sacrifice made in this life with eternal rewards in the next (Mark 10:29-30). God also promises to be with those who suffer for His name’s sake (2 Timothy 3:12).
4. Distractions and idols of the world
It’s easy for the temporal pleasures and pursuits of this world – wealth, success, entertainment, hobbies – to become idols that compete for our affection and allegiance (1 John 2:15-17). The constant distractions and busyness of life often crowd out time for prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. Maintaining spiritual focus and discipline to follow Christ above all requires intention and constant vigilance (Luke 8:14, 14:33, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Regularly assessing priorities helps keep things in proper perspective.
5. Self-sufficiency and pride
Our human tendency is to want to be in control and rely on our own abilities rather than submit to God. Pride says we know best and can manage on our own. But Jesus calls His followers to humility, servanthood, and childlike faith in dependence on Him (Matthew 18:3-4, 20:25-28). Dying to self-sufficiency requires honest confession of weakness and chosen submission to Christ’s lordship each day (Luke 9:23). His “yoke is easy” when we let go of our ego and allow Him to lead (Matthew 11:28-30).
6. Disappointment with God
When difficult circumstances come our way, we may be tempted to feel disappointed with God and question His goodness or sovereignty. In painful times of waiting on God or unanswered prayer, impatience can take root. Doubts may arise over God’s trustworthiness. But Scripture exhorts believers to persevere through trials in faith (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5). God uses trying times to strengthen character. His timing and ways are perfect, even when they don’t align with our desires (Isaiah 55:8-9). He remains faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13).
7. Shallow roots
It’s easy for new believers or shallow Christians to appear devoted to Christ in seasons of blessing. But when trials or persecution come, their lack of depth shows as they fall away (Mark 4:16-17). To develop roots that can withstand hardship, believers need to go beyond surface-level Christianity. Deep intimacy with Christ only comes through regular Scripture study, prayer, fellowship, and obedience over the long haul (John 15:4-8; Ephesians 3:16-19). There are no shortcuts.
8. Misplaced identity
For those who tie their identity too tightly to their career, relationships, achievements, or public reputation, following Jesus can be a blow to self-image. Being a Christ-follower should supersede all other roles and pursuits. Jesus demands we find our primary sense of worth in Him alone – as His beloved children (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Holding earthly titles and accomplishments loosely frees us up to serve God unencumbered by the need to protect our status or ego. True security is found in who we are in Christ (Colossians 3:3).
9. Counting the cost
While following Jesus promises great blessing and reward, it also involves sacrifice and hardship. There are costs to obeying radical commands like loving enemies, forgiving persecutors, serving the marginalized, and giving generously in a self-centered world. Jesus explains that whoever wants to be His disciple must “deny himself and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23). We must be willing to surrender comfort, security, prestige, autonomy, and plans if He asks. Counting the cost and accepting the trade-off is difficult. But the eternal treasure He provides far outweighs any temporary earthly loss (Matthew 13:44-46).
10. Overcoming addictions and besetting sins
Many struggle in their walk with Christ because they fail to address addictions or besetting sins that repeatedly trip them up spiritually. Whether it’s pride, lust, anger, laziness, gossip, or other vices, entrenched habits can hinder growth and intimacy with God. Overcoming takes brutal honesty, genuine repentance, spiritual accountability, and often counseling or recovery groups. But freedom is possible with the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:16). It starts by humbly admitting helplessness and asking God to do what we cannot in our own strength (Romans 7:14-25). In time, He renews our desires and empowers obedience (Philippians 2:12-13).
In summary, following Christ wholeheartedly brings great blessing but involves struggle and sacrifice. With indwelling sin, spiritual enemies, and a fallen world system opposing believers at every turn, maintaining faithful obedience is a battle. Still, God promises to complete the good work He began in those who trust Him (Philippians 1:6). His presence and power enable us to walk through every trial as we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-3). By God’s grace, the difficulties only make us stronger as we rely fully on Him.