"Overcoming Obstacles" | February 16, 2025 | Ps Joel Lowery

In our journey of faith, one of the most crucial aspects of our spiritual growth is our connection to God's family. Yet, many of us struggle to form deep, meaningful relationships within our church communities. Why is this? What obstacles stand in our way, and how can we overcome them?

The heart of the matter lies in Jesus' commandment to His disciples: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). This love isn't just a surface-level affection, but a deep, committed love that welcomes, entertains, and cherishes one another dearly.

However, our enemy, the devil, knows the power of a united church and works tirelessly to prevent it. As 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." We must be aware of his schemes and actively work to counter them.

Let's explore three major obstacles that often block our connection to God's family and how we can overcome them:

1. Misplaced Priorities

One of the most common hindrances to deep fellowship is misplaced priorities. We often prioritize good things over God things. Whether it's sports, hobbies, TV shows, or even certain parenting styles, these can crowd our schedules and leave little room for meaningful connection with our church family.

The solution? Make fellowship a priority. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." When we prioritize God's kingdom - including our relationships within His family - everything else falls into place.

Practical steps:
- Schedule small group meetings as non-negotiable appointments
- Limit screen time to make room for face-to-face interactions
- Teach children the importance of church community

2. Pride and Insecurity

Pride and insecurity are two sides of the same coin - a coin of self-centeredness. Pride whispers, "I'm better than these people," while insecurity murmurs, "I don't fit in here." Both attitudes stem from focusing too much on ourselves and not enough on others.

The antidote to this is humility. Romans 12:3 advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

Practical steps:
- Enter church gatherings looking for ways to serve others, not to be served
- Recognize that everyone has something valuable to contribute
- Focus on building others up rather than comparing yourself to them

3. Past Hurt and Disappointment

Perhaps the most potent obstacle to connection is past hurt and disappointment. Many of us carry wounds from previous church experiences, failed ministries, or personal conflicts. These hurts can make us wary of opening up and fully engaging in new relationships.

The key to overcoming this obstacle is forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 instructs us to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Forgiveness isn't a one-time event but a lifestyle. It's making allowances for others' faults and choosing to love despite imperfections. After all, the church isn't a gathering of perfect people, but a community of forgiven sinners extending that same grace to others.

Practical steps:
- Acknowledge past hurts and bring them to God in prayer
- Choose to forgive, even if feelings don't immediately follow
- Seek reconciliation where possible, but don't let others' responses dictate your healing

As we work to overcome these obstacles, we must remember that connection within God's family isn't just a nice addition to our faith - it's essential. Jesus said that our love for one another would be the primary way the world recognizes us as His disciples. Our unity and love for each other are powerful testimonies to the transforming power of the Gospel.

Moreover, deep connections within the church family provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for growth that we simply can't experience in isolation. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wisely noted, the community of saints isn't perfect, but it's a place where forgiveness is constantly proclaimed and practiced.

In 2 Corinthians 2:7-11, Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within the church community. He links forgiveness directly to outsmarting Satan's schemes, showing us that our unity and willingness to forgive are key spiritual weapons.

As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to take active steps towards deeper connection in God's family. Perhaps it's time to rearrange our priorities, cultivate humility, or extend forgiveness. Maybe we need to take the risk of vulnerability in a small group or reach out to someone we've been avoiding.

Remember, the path to connection may not always be easy, but it's worth it. As we draw closer to each other, we also draw closer to the heart of God. In doing so, we not only enrich our own spiritual lives but also strengthen the church's witness to a watching world.

Let's commit to building a community that truly reflects the love of Christ - a place where forgiveness flows freely, where humility is the norm, and where God's priorities shape our lives. In such a community, we'll find not just fellowship, but a taste of the kingdom of God here on earth.