Following Jesus isn't easy.

If you've walked with the Lord for any length of time, you no doubt know this reality intimately. Many obstacles await those who would step out in eager pursuit of Him, and the path of obedient participation in His mission never ceases to provide challenges that are real and daily.

Jesus knows this, and He spoke openly about it during His time on earth.

He told us that the way is narrow, and the path is hard. He said we could expect persecution and isolation. He warned us that we would be sheep among wolves. He was explicit in telling us of the opposition we'd face from authorities -- both natural and supernatural.

Following Jesus isn't easy.

And yet when you really slow down enough to consider the greatest obstacles we face in following Jesus and engaging in His mission, you might be surprised at what rises to the surface. More often than not, it's not blatant sin that holds us back. It's not a broken past that somehow disqualifies us from co-laboring with Him. It's not the oppression of opposing spiritual powers that render us unable to press forward in mission.

Often, it's the slow, subtle seduction of good things that ultimately keep us from Him.

There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things. In fact, they are good gifts! And yet, Jesus lays these three things out as the things that render us, not unable, but unwilling to follow Christ. The problem isn't good things. The problem is when good things become our god.

Take some time today to consider the obstacles that you face in pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly. Honestly evaluate any excuse that keeps you from obedience to His mission. Then pray and ask for eyes to see and savor Jesus more, because nothing less than a Spirit-inspired vision of the worthiness of Christ will keep us on the path to which He has called us.

Written by Laney Mills