Micro-Study : 7 Mistakes You’re Making with Spiritual Growth (and How to Fix Them)

A Message from FA Memphis

Hey there! I’m so glad you’re here.

At Boundless Online Church, we believe that spiritual growth isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, and part of that growth involves recognizing the little bumps in the road that can slow us down.

Sometimes, we feel stuck in our faith. We pray, we read a bit, and we attend online services, but it feels like we’re running on a treadmill: moving a lot but not going anywhere.

Most of the time, it’s not because you don't love God. It’s usually just a few common mistakes that are easy to fix once you see them. Let’s walk through seven of these mistakes together and look at how we can get back on the path to a vibrant, Spirit-led life.

1. The "Someday" Trap: Procrastinating on Your Faith

We’ve all done it. We tell ourselves, "I’ll start that Bible study on Monday," or "I’ll really dive into prayer once this busy season at work is over."

The mistake here is thinking that spiritual growth requires a massive, perfect block of time. When we delay our spiritual practices, we weaken our spiritual rhythm. Our connection with God starts to feel like a long-distance relationship where we haven't texted in weeks.

The Fix: Start small, but start today.

Don't wait for an hour of silence that might never come. Give God ten minutes right now. Whether it’s a quick prayer while the coffee brews or reading one Psalm before you check your emails, consistency beats intensity every time.

As we see in Psalm 119:105, God's Word is a lamp to our feet. A lamp only shows you the next step, not the whole map. Just take the next step.

2. Drowning in the Digital Noise

It is harder than ever to hear the "still small voice" of God when our pockets are buzzing every thirty seconds.

Endless notifications, social media scrolling, and the constant hum of the digital world can crowd out the stillness essential for spiritual discernment. If the first thing you do in the morning is check your phone and the last thing you do is watch videos, you’re filling your heart with the world’s noise instead of God’s peace.

The Fix: Create a digital sanctuary.

You don't have to throw your phone away, but you do need boundaries. Try a "Digital Sabbath": even if it’s just for two hours on a Sunday afternoon. Use app blockers or simply leave your phone in another room during your prayer time.

Protecting those moments of silence allows the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart without competition.

3. Going It Alone: The Lone Wolf Mistake

One of the biggest misconceptions in modern faith is that spiritual growth is a solo sport.

While your relationship with Jesus is personal, it was never meant to be private or isolated. When we operate without accountability, it’s easy to lose focus, drift into old habits, or get discouraged by our own mistakes. We weren't designed to carry our burdens by ourselves.

The Fix: Find your people.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:24-25 to encourage one another and not give up meeting together. This is why we focus so much on community here at Boundless.

Whether it's an online small group or a mentor you check in with, find someone who can ask you the tough questions and cheer you on. You can check out our current groups here: https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/group-lists-sitemap.xml.

4. Chasing External Signs Over Internal Guidance

It’s easy to get caught up looking for "a sign" from the universe or waiting for a famous spiritual teacher to tell you exactly what to do.

While God can certainly use signs and teachers, the mistake is relying only on external validation. This can paralyze you and stop you from developing your own discernment. If you’re always looking outside, you might miss what the Holy Spirit is doing inside.

The Fix: Trust the Counselor within you.

Jesus promised us in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit would be our Helper and Teacher. One of our core beliefs is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

Develop an internal practice of listening. Spend time in quiet prayer, asking the Spirit to guide your thoughts. Often, the clarity you need is already being whispered to your heart; you just need to be still enough to hear it.

5. The Comparison Trap

In the age of social media, it’s so easy to compare your "behind-the-scenes" with everyone else’s "highlight reel."

You see someone posting about their three-hour prayer session or their deep theological insights, and suddenly you feel like a "bad Christian" because you struggled to stay awake during a five-minute devotion. This comparison clouds your prayers and causes you to miss the specific purpose God has for you.

The Fix: Run your own race.

God isn't comparing you to the person in the next pew or the person on your screen. He is looking at your heart and your willingness to grow from where you are right now.

Galatians 6:4 encourages us to pay attention to our own work so we can have the satisfaction of a job well done without comparing ourselves to others. Your journey is unique because you are unique.

6. Neglecting the "Bread of Life"

This might seem obvious, but it’s a mistake we all make when life gets busy.

We try to grow spiritually while consuming a "diet" of things that don't support our growth. If we are spending hours on entertainment but only seconds in the Word, our spiritual health will suffer. You cannot be spiritually healthy if you are neglecting the primary way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us: the Scriptures.

The Fix: Treat Scripture as spiritual nourishment.

Just like you wouldn't go days without eating physical food, don't let your soul go hungry. Make Bible reading a non-negotiable appointment.

If you're not sure where to start, check out some of the resources in our store or look through our blog for more micro-studies. You can find helpful materials here: https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/category/books.

7. Treating Spirituality as a Destination

Many people think that "spiritual growth" means reaching a point where they no longer have problems, doubts, or temptations.

The mistake is believing that once you reach a certain "level," you’ve arrived. This creates unrealistic expectations. When challenges inevitably come, people feel like they’ve failed or that God has left them.

The Fix: Embrace the journey of sanctification.

Sanctification is a big word that basically means the ongoing process of being made more like Jesus. It is a lifelong journey, not a weekend trip.

Philippians 1:6 reminds us that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. You are a work in progress, and that’s okay. Growth is found in the daily walk, the small victories, and even the times we have to get back up after falling.

Moving Forward Together

Growth doesn't happen by accident, but it also doesn't happen by sheer willpower. It happens through grace and a willing heart.

If you’ve recognized some of these mistakes in your own life, don't feel guilty. Feel encouraged! Now that you see them, you can fix them.

Which one of these resonates with you the most today? Is it the digital noise? The comparison trap? Or maybe you've been trying to go it alone?

We’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you have about your spiritual journey. Remember, you don't have to figure it all out today. Just take the next step.

If you’re looking for more ways to connect or want to see what else we’re up to, feel free to explore our blog: https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.

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