Understand why Christians struggle to follow God as He commands and how to overcome spiritual obstacles through the Holy Bible.
The question of why can't Christians follow God as He commands is one that has echoed through the halls of churches and the quiet corners of prayer closets for generations. At the heart of this struggle is the fundamental conflict between the spirit and the flesh, a battle that began long ago in the Garden of Eden. Many people find themselves asking why can't Christians follow God as He commands when the instructions provided in the Holy Scriptures are so clear and direct. This difficulty often stems from a lack of total surrender to the Lord, as the human heart naturally seeks its own path rather than the narrow road mentioned in the King James Version of the Bible.
A significant reason why can't Christians follow God as He commands involves the heavy influence of worldly traditions that often contradict the statutes of the Almighty. When believers prioritize the opinions of men over the voice of the Spirit, they inevitably find themselves stuck in a cycle of disobedience. Understanding why can't Christians follow God as He commands requires an honest look at the distractions that pull the mind away from daily meditation on the Word. Without a firm foundation in the teachings of Jesus Christ, the ability to walk in the statutes of the Lord becomes nearly impossible for the average believer.
Furthermore, analyzing why can't Christians follow God as He commands reveals a widespread lack of fear regarding the judgment of the Lord. In a society that emphasizes comfort and self-affirmation, the biblical call to pick up one's cross and follow Him is often ignored. Those who sincerely want to know why can't Christians follow God as He commands must recognize that true obedience requires a complete death to self. This study aims to break down the barriers that prevent faithful adherence to the commandments of the Lord while providing scriptural solutions to these common spiritual failures.
The Carnal Mind and the Warfare of the Flesh
The primary obstacle mentioned in the KJV regarding obedience is the nature of the carnal mind. Romans 8:7 states that the carnal mind is enmity against God because it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. This means that as long as a person operates according to their natural, unregenerate desires, they will find it impossible to follow the instructions of the Creator. The flesh desires things that are contrary to the Spirit, creating an internal war that many Christians fail to win because they do not starve the carnal nature.
Galatians 5:17 describes this conflict perfectly by explaining that the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other. To follow God as He commands, a believer must walk in the Spirit so that they do not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Many struggle because they try to obey the commandments of God using their own willpower rather than relying on the grace and power provided through the Holy Ghost.
The Problem of Partial Obedience
One of the most dangerous traps for a believer is the concept of partial obedience. In the book of 1 Samuel 15, King Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all that they had. Instead, he spared the king and the best of the livestock, claiming he intended to sacrifice them to the Lord. The prophet Samuel rebuked him, famously stating that to obey is better than sacrifice. Saul believed he had followed the command of God, but because his obedience was not total, it was classified as rebellion.
Modern believers often pick and choose which parts of the Bible they wish to follow. They might be faithful in attending church but neglect the command to love their enemies or to abstain from all appearance of evil. This selective adherence is a major factor in why the walk of a Christian becomes stagnant and ineffective.
The Influence of Worldly Philosophy and Tradition
The pressure to conform to the surrounding culture is a constant threat to biblical obedience. Romans 12:2 instructs believers to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. When the philosophy of the world enters the heart of a Christian, it acts like leaven, eventually affecting the whole lump. Ideas such as moral relativism and secular humanism have crept into the pews, leading many to question if the commands of God are still relevant today.
The Warning Against Vain Traditions
Jesus warned the Pharisees about making the commandment of God of none effect by their tradition in Matthew 15:6. Today, many denominational traditions and social norms take precedence over the plain "Thus saith the Lord" found in the Bible. If a church tradition or a cultural expectation contradicts the Word of God, the believer is commanded to follow God rather than men. When Christians value the praise of their peers more than the approval of their Father in heaven, their ability to obey is compromised.
Colossians 2:8 warns to beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Maintaining a strictly biblical worldview is essential for those who desire to follow God as He commands without being swayed by the changing tides of public opinion.
Lack of Knowledge and Spiritual Illiteracy
A tragic reason why many fail to follow the Lord is that they simply do not know what He has commanded. Hosea 4:6 declares that My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. If a Christian does not study the Bible for themselves, they become dependent on others for their spiritual growth, which often leads to being misled. Without a deep, personal understanding of the Scriptures, the believer has no compass to guide their actions in difficult situations.
The Importance of Daily Meditation
Joshua 1:8 provides a clear success formula for the believer, which involves meditating on the book of the law day and night. The purpose of this meditation is to observe to do according to all that is written therein. Many Christians treat the Bible as a book of suggestions rather than a book of commands. When the Word is not hidden in the heart, as mentioned in Psalm 119:11, the believer lacks the spiritual ammunition needed to resist temptation and stay on the path of righteousness.
Consistent study allows a person to discern between good and evil. Hebrews 5:14 explains that strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Without this spiritual exercise, the believer remains an infant, easily tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.
The Deceitfulness of Riches and Cares of This Life
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus described a category of people who hear the Word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This is a vivid picture of the modern struggle. The pursuit of wealth, career advancement, and material comforts often takes the seat of priority that belongs to God alone. When a person is consumed with the thorns of life, they no longer have the time or energy to follow God as He commands.
Seeking First the Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 offers the remedy for this distraction by telling believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The word first implies a priority of time, affection, and resources. Many Christians try to fit God into their busy schedules rather than building their schedules around their service to Him. This lack of priority makes it impossible to maintain a consistent walk of obedience.
The love of money is described as the root of all evil in 1 Timothy 6:10. While money itself is neutral, the lust for it causes many to err from the faith and pierce themselves through with many sorrows. The desire for a "better life" by worldly standards often leads to a compromised spiritual life, as the believer begins to serve Mammon rather than God.
Conclusion
The struggle to remain faithful to the biblical standard is not a new phenomenon, yet it remains the most vital challenge for every soul claiming the name of Christ. When we examine the lives of those in the KJV who succeeded, we see a common thread of absolute reliance on the power of the Spirit rather than human intellect. The path to obedience is paved with a sincere love for the Savior, for Jesus said that if ye love me, keep my commandments. Without this core motivation of love, following the Lord becomes a burdensome task of legalism rather than a joyful journey of faith.
Overcoming the obstacles of the carnal mind, worldly philosophy, and spiritual ignorance requires a deliberate and daily choice to submit to the Word. By prioritizing spiritual growth through scripture, the believer can find the strength to resist the pressures of the modern age. It is only through the renewal of the mind and the constant filling of the Holy Ghost that a person can hope to stand firm against the wiles of the devil. The promise remains that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, allowing them to walk and not faint in the face of temptation.
The final call for every Christian is to return to the simplicity of the Gospel and the authority of the Scriptures. We must move beyond the excuses of our current culture and embrace the high calling of holiness. As we look toward the return of the King, our greatest desire should be to be found faithful and obedient to the commands He has given us. Through prayer, fasting, and a diligent study of the King James Version, we can bridge the gap between our current struggles and the victorious life that God has commanded us to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does the Bible place such a high emphasis on total obedience rather than just good intentions?The Bible emphasizes total obedience because God is the sovereign Creator and His commands are designed for our protection and His glory. In the King James Version, we see that good intentions without action are often viewed as a form of deception. For example, James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving our own selves. Good intentions may reflect a desire to please God, but without the corresponding action, they do not result in a changed life or a fulfilled purpose. Total obedience demonstrates a heart that truly trusts God’s wisdom over its own understanding. When we follow only the parts of God's commands that we agree with, we are actually following ourselves, not God.
2. How can a believer distinguish between the voice of the Spirit and their own carnal desires?Distinguishing between the Spirit and carnal desires requires a deep immersion in the Word of God, as the Spirit will never contradict the written Scriptures. Hebrews 4:12 states that the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit. This means the Bible acts as a mirror that reveals the true intent of our hearts. If a desire leads to pride, selfishness, or a violation of a biblical principle, it is of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5, consists of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and other selfless traits. If the "voice" you hear leads you toward these things and aligns with the KJV, it is likely the Holy Spirit.
3. What role does the local church play in helping Christians follow God as He commands?The local church is intended to be a place of accountability, instruction, and mutual support. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. In a healthy church environment, the Word of God is preached clearly, and members are encouraged to live out the commands of Christ. When a believer is isolated, they are more susceptible to the deceptions of the world and the flesh. The church provides the spiritual "iron sharpening iron" mentioned in Proverbs 27:17. By being part of a community of believers, a Christian can receive the correction and encouragement necessary to stay on the path of obedience.
4. Is it possible for a Christian to be perfectly obedient to God in this life?While the Bible calls us to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect in Matthew 5:48, this refers to a maturity and a completeness in our walk with Him. However, the KJV also acknowledges that in many things we offend all, as stated in James 3:2. While we will never reach a state of sinless perfection in our earthly bodies, we are commanded to strive for holiness and to grow in grace. The goal is not a life without a single mistake, but a life characterized by a consistent direction toward God. When we do sin, 1 John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. Therefore, the walk of a Christian is one of continuous repentance and progressive sanctification.
5. Why do some people find the commandments of God to be a burden instead of a delight?When the commandments of God are viewed as a burden, it usually indicates a legalistic mindset or a lack of love for the Lord. 1 John 5:3 says that for this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. If a person is trying to earn their salvation through works, the laws of God will feel like a heavy weight. However, when a person understands that they are saved by grace and they obey out of gratitude and love, the commands become a delight. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man as one whose delight is in the law of the Lord. A shift in perspective from "I have to" to "I get to" changes the entire experience of following God's commands.
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