Three Things That Can Keep You from Following Christ
- Colin Smith Unlocking the Bible
- Published Jan 09, 2015
I will remove from you your heart of stone. Ezekiel 36:26
Here are a couple more worthless stones in the human heart that can keep you from following Jesus Christ:
1. Comfort. “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27 NIV
If your heart is set on maintaining a comfortable life, that will keep you from following Christ. Jesus makes it abundantly clear that there will be a cost, and there will be pain in following him. So if your heart is set on choosing the easiest path, you will not follow Christ very far.
2. Cherished Sin. “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19 NIV
How many people have been kept from following Christ because their heart is set on pursuing a sexual impulse—whatever that may be? Satisfying the sexual appetite has become a god for many people today. If that’s what matters most to you it will keep you from following Christ.
3. Self. "God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:5
Do you see what Satan was saying: “Eve, why should God be God and not you? You can be your own god! You can decide for yourself what is good and what is evil.” You cannot be a worshipper of God so long as you are set on being your own god. The desire to be your own god is a stone in the heart that resists Jesus Christ.
Are any of these things keeping you from following Christ?
[Based on the sermon series "Regeneration: How Christ Changes Your Soul"]
For more resources by Colin Smith visit Unlocking the Bible, where you can request a free sample of LifeKEYS Daily devotional, listen to the radio program, or browse other gospel-centered, Christ-exalting resources. You can also follow Colin on Twitter.
