What stops us from walking totally with Jesus?  This is my simple but honest question.  Scripture shows that what stops us from being totally committed to Jesus usually falls into three categories:1. Love of self (pride, self-will, comfort).

2. Love of the world (desires, possessions, approval).

3. Fear of loss (security, persecution, rejection).

The good news is that the Word of God gives us both diagnosis and remedy. Here are NKJV verses that name the barriers and show how to change:

1. Pride & Self-Will

Barrier:

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’”

— James 4:6 NKJV

Change:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

— Luke 9:23 NKJV

2. Love of the World

Barrier:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

— 1 John 2:15–17 NKJV

Change:

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

— Colossians 3:2–3 NKJV

3. Fear of Loss (Comfort, Rejection, Persecution)

Barrier:

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

— Matthew 10:37–39 NKJV

Change:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

— 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

4. Trusting in Riches or Security

Barrier:

“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”

— Matthew 13:22 NKJV

Change:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

— Matthew 6:33 NKJV

5. Double-Mindedness

Barrier:

“He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

— James 1:8 NKJV

Change:

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

— James 4:8 NKJV

Summary of How to Change:

•   Deny self (Luke 9:23).

•   Set mind on things above (Colossians 3:2).

•   Walk in boldness, not fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

•   Seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

•   Draw near to God with a pure heart (James 4:8).

We each have things that we prioritize over Jesus from time to time as I am closing in on my final days none of these things seem to matter anymore if I don’t have my lord,how about you. When you get past the wants and every material thing has no meaning as it’s given away. When we go past even our physical capabilities thats where Jesus Christ is all we really need for the rest of our journey. Sooo, fear not he has overcome the world.