As I’ve been writing this blog, and studying and contemplating and meditating and praying, I’ve uncovered some themes that represent my past inability to grow closer to God. I assume these themes are at least more global than just me, so I thought I’d try them on for size.

Ironically, a friend of mine recently validated most of these in a conversation we were having, without any knowledge that I had already started this blog post. That gives me comfort that two people out there have had the same experience. Anyway, here they are in no particular order. Five reasons I suspect most of us fail in our walk with God. Or better put, five reasons I’ve historically failed in my walk with God.

1. Over-reliance on church and others. People are flawed. Institutions are flawed. Organized religion does not possess all the answers. If you are placing the burden of your spiritual growth on your church community or others in your life, expecting to be led, you will be left wanting. These gifts from God should accentuate the relationship you have with Him, not serve as crutches. At the end of the day, your relationship with God is just that. You…and…God. There is no 12-step program or tell-all devotional or one-size-fits-all solution handed down by your religious superiors so that you can just add water.

2. Gravity. Everything in this world pulls against your walk with God. It’s easy for us to get overwhelmed, beaten down, discouraged, taken out of the game. Worldly concerns and distractions are powerful. Competing priorities can be consuming. The challenge is filtering out the things that don’t matter and maintaining your commitment to knowing God. Easier said than done.

3. Lack of self-awareness. If we are not deeply in touch with our wounds, understanding that our sins are merely symptoms, searching for root causes and triggers, we won’t be able to work through the internal obstacles that are preventing us from growing closer to God. You have to see your true self and understand fully the idols in your life, the walls you’ve erected and the chains that bind you. Too often, we are numb or in denial or just so displeased with who we are on the inside that we can’t objectively see ourselves.

4. Ungrounded belief system. Most of us can’t defend or even define what we really believe. And most of what we say we believe has been handed down from someone else. Without deep roots, you will have a shallow faith. That will prevent you from being clear of your purpose and obedient to what God asks you to do. Without a well-rooted faith, it’s hard to hear God and even harder to act once we do hear from Him.

5.  Absence of desire. If there isn’t a fire burning within us to know God, a longing and a passion to walk more closely with Him, we will only be going through the motions. If you are lacking this desire, pray for it. God will provide. But until you have a heart that is hungry and broken, you won’t be successful in knowing God more intimately.

So, there you go. Five reasons for failure. What do you think? Do you have other themes to add? Or a success story of how you have overcome these obstacles? I’d love to hear about it.