I had a conversation Sunday night with some people from Westwind about the morning message from Nehemiah 4:1-9. The question was asked, “How many people really face opposition in their life?” They question was pointing out that most people in America don’t face direct assault against their faith. It was a good question. He expounded on the issue by saying that the number one opposing force to most people’s faith is their own selves. This had my mind reeling as I began to ponder how in my own spiritual life I oppose myself from greater growth and depth.

The words of Paul in Romans 7:19 point out our self struggle, “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing.” How many of us could say the exact same thing about our own spiritual lives? For most this is a daily battle. There are also those who may not struggle with sin, but oppose themselves when it comes to fulfilling God’s best for their lives. They focus on the needs of the moment instead of what God desires for them. They oppose God’s will by focusing on their needs first and God’s desire second.

So, what hope is there for those who are their own worst spiritual enemy? First, ask God, through his spirit, to reveal areas in your spiritual life that are stiffened by sin, or in opposition to God’s will. Secondly, claim Romans 8:13-14, “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

Sometimes our worse spiritual enemy can be ourselves. Let us look honestly at ourselves and deal with the issues that keep us from being truly effective for God.