10 Destructive Habits that Will Destroy Your Faith in God

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As a believer, your faith isn’t immune to difficulties; there are certain habits that will destroy your faith when you refuse to take responsibility for your faith journey with God. Faith is a powerful force that forms the foundation of our relationship with God, providing meaning, purpose, and guidance in our lives.

It is the bedrock on which we build our spiritual journey, giving us hope in times of despair and strength in times of weakness. However, despite its profound significance, faith is not immune to challenges and threats that can weaken and even destroy its very essence.

In this comprehensive article, we delve into the ten habits that will destroy your faith and ultimately your walk with God. These habits, if left unchecked, can erode the spiritual connection we have with the divine and hinder our personal growth and transformation. Each of these habits represents a stumbling block, capable of diverting us from the path of righteousness and straying us away from God’s divine purpose for our lives.

By understanding these destructive patterns, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and awareness needed to combat them effectively. This article is not merely a critique but a guide, offering practical insights, actionable tips, and a roadmap to overcome these obstacles and strengthen our faith in the process.

So, if you find yourself struggling with doubt, fear, isolation, or a myriad of other challenges that threaten to tarnish your faith, join us on this transformative journey. Together, we will navigate the treacherous terrain, rekindle the flames of faith, and emerge stronger, with an unwavering commitment to walking hand in hand with God.

1. Neglecting The Word of God

One of the most visible habits that will destroy your faith is neglecting the Word of God. This is one of the most dangerous things a Christian can do. The Bible tells us that God’s Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It has divine power to transform our lives when we apply its truths. However, if we don’t spend regular time reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture, we miss out on the nourishment our souls desperately need.

There are several dangers of neglecting God’s Word:

First, we become spiritually malnourished. Just as our bodies need food, our spirits need the sustenance found in Biblical truth. Without it, our faith grows weak and anemic. We lose spiritual vitality.

Second, we become vulnerable to deception and false teaching. When we don’t know the Scriptures well, we lack discernment. We can’t recognize counterfeit gospels that sound appealing but contradict God’s Word. We must continually renew our minds with truth to avoid being led astray.

Third, we miss out on God’s voice and direction for our lives. God often speaks to us through His Word, guiding us in the right path. When we neglect the Bible, we’re turning a deaf ear to God’s loving instructions. We’ll end up wandering and get lost.

Fourth, we’ll drift from God-honoring morality. Scripture shows us what pleases God. When we drift from His Word, we adopt worldly values and behaviors that grieve God’s heart. We must anchor ourselves to His Word.

Fifth, we’ll lack the spiritual strength to overcome temptation and trials. God’s Word gives us wisdom and might to defeat the enemy and endure suffering. Without it, we’re helpless. Only the Sword of the Spirit can cut through the enemy’s deception.

Brothers and sisters, let us solemnly resolve not to neglect our Bibles! This Book of Books is a priceless treasure, given by inspiration of God. Let’s feast on its life-giving manna daily, that we may grow strong in faith and bear much fruit for God’s glory.

2. Prayerlessness

Prayerlessness is incredibly dangerous for the spiritual life of a believer. Through regular, earnest prayer we experience intimate fellowship with God. But when prayer becomes an afterthought instead of a priority, our relationship with the Lord quickly begins to erode. This is why prayerlessness is one of the habits that will destroy your faith.

One major danger of minimizing prayer is that we lose touch with God personally. Our hearts grow distant and cold toward Him. We forget His promises, power, and presence. We operate in our own insufficient strength rather than relying on the Almighty. This leads us into all kinds of trouble.

Another risk is that we become deaf to the Spirit’s voice. God often guides us through promptings in prayer. When we don’t pray regularly, we are unable to discern His subtle whispers. We stumble along in confusion without divine direction. This can lead us into poor decisions and costly mistakes.

In addition, prayerlessness renders us powerless against the Enemy’s attacks. As Jesus told His disciples, some spiritual victories can only come through prayer and fasting. Without regular prayer, we lack the spiritual weaponry to overcome strongholds of darkness. We leave ourselves wide open to satanic assault.

Furthermore, when we neglect prayer we quench the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts. We deny Him access to convict us of sin, conform us into Christ’s image, and comfort us in sorrow. Our sanctification stalls without His transforming power.

The biblical solution is devotion to consistent, fervent prayer. We need extended times of intimate worship, as well as cries for help throughout the day. Purpose to never neglect this lifeline of communication with your Creator and Sustainer.

3. Compromising with the world.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be in the world but not of it. This means we must avoid adopting the sinful values, priorities, and behaviors that characterize fallen culture. When believers compromise with the world’s ways, it dulls our spiritual lives and deforms the image of Christ in us.

One danger is that we become desensitized to sin. The constant exposure to godless media, music, and messages desensitizes our consciences. Sin doesn’t shock us anymore. We become comfortable with behaviors that grieve the Lord. This is incredibly dangerous for our souls.

Another risk is developing an attachment to the world’s goods. The quest for possessions, status, and pleasure can become idols if we compromise with culture’s materialism. We must cling to eternal treasures, not fleeting things.

Compromising with the world also crowds God out of first place in our hearts. This is why it is one of the evident habits that will destroy your faith. When we cave to peer pressure and social norms, pleasing people becomes more important than pleasing God. We lose our distinctness as set-apart, sanctified believers.

In addition, we will shrink back from boldly sharing the gospel if we compromise with the world. We avoid confrontation and hide our light under a bushel, ashamed to be associated with Christ. We fail to speak truth to a lost world.

The only option is pursuing complete devotion to Jesus, no matter the cost. We obey the Bible’s command: “Do not love the world or anything in the world…For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).

4. Isolating ourselves from other believers.

God designed believers to live in interdependent community, not in independent isolation. We were never meant to follow Jesus alone. Yet many fall into the trap of detaching themselves from regular Christian fellowship. This is incredibly perilous for one’s spiritual health, and one of the habits that will destroy your faith.

When we isolate, we have no one to lift us up in prayer when we’re down. There’s no one to lend a sympathetic ear or godly perspective when we’re struggling. We lack accountability to spur us on to love, good deeds, and spiritual growth. Isolation breeds stagnation.

In isolation, we’re also more susceptible to believing lies. With no Christian friends to correct warped thinking or false teaching, we can easily fall prey to deception. The Enemy aims to get believers alone and then lead them into darkness apart from the safety of the flock.

Additionally, no one is there to gently confront our sins when we isolate. We hide flaws without allowing exposure to the light. Unchecked sinful habits and addictions flourish in the darkness of secrecy. The path of isolation often ends in disaster.

God’s answer is connection within a local church body. The Bible exhorts us: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Pursue deep involvement in a Bible-believing community. It’s essential for finishing the Christian race well.

5. Holding on to unforgiveness.

Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The one who suffers most from an unforgiving heart is ourselves, not the offender. This bitterness chokes out the life of God within us and leads to many detrimental effects. It is one of the deadliest of habits that will destroy your faith.

First, unforgiveness hinders our relationship with God. Jesus said if we don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). Our prayers are blocked and we’ll distance ourselves from our Father.

Second, refusing to forgive others destroys our peace and joy. Anger and resentment create internal turmoil and unrest. We forfeit the blessings of walking in grace, mercy and pardon.

Third, unforgiveness can breed hate and desire for revenge. If left unchecked, it can escalate into hostile acts of violence and retribution. This poisons our soul and dishonors Christ.

Fourth, we isolate ourselves relationally while wallowing in bitterness. People avoid befriending the perpetually angry and resentful. Unforgiveness is a lonely prison of our own making.

Fifth, prolonged unforgiveness can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. The person who won’t forgive suffers far more than the offender. These are some of the things that hinder our relationship with God as a result of unforgiveness.

God commands us to freely forgive others because we’ve been freely forgiven. The gospel is based on undeserved grace. When we grasp how much we’ve been pardoned, it empowers us to release others from their debts against us. As we let go, we’ll experience the joy of restored relationships and freedom from past hurts.

6. Worrying about everything

Worry is one of the most destructive forces in a believer’s life. Though it feels like we’re taking control by worrying, in reality we are abandoning trust in God. This produces all kinds of detrimental effects.

First, chronic worry demonstrates we have placed our anxieties in the wrong place – on outcomes rather than on Christ. He tells us not to worry about life details, since He knows what we need (Matthew 6:25-34).

Second, worrying means we have chosen to carry burdens instead of casting them onto Jesus. He invites us to cast all cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). When we worry, we carry a load He never intended us to bear.

Third, worrying keeps us trapped in the past or future instead of living in the present with Jesus. He promises His presence and power for today, but worry causes us to miss what He is doing right now.

Fourth, worrying shows we have chosen human logic over divine wisdom. From a human perspective, the future looks uncertain. But God sees the full picture and lovingly works all things for our good.

Fifth, chronic worry demonstrates we have lost sight of our true identity as chosen, loved children of God. When we remember He is our perfect Father, worry seems absurd. Surely you can see that this too is one of the habits that will destroy your faith.

The solution is simple, though not easy. We must turn from worry and turn toward Jesus, trusting Him fully with every situation and decision. As we do, His supernatural peace will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).

7. Being lazy or idle

Laziness and idleness are deadly traps that every believer must avoid. God created us for good works and has prepared specific callings for each of His children to fulfill. When we’re lazy and idle, we squander these holy purposes.

First, laziness hinders spiritual growth. Like physical muscles, our faith will atrophy without exercise. Studying Scripture, serving others, and sharing our faith require effort. Slothful Christians remain stagnant and immature.

Second, idleness gives the Enemy an opportunity to wreak havoc. When we aren’t diligently resisting the devil, we give him a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). Idle hands and minds are vulnerable to his attacks.

Third, laziness is a poor witness. Unbelievers observe when Christians are unproductive and self-indulgent. Idleness repels people from the faith rather than attracting them.

Fourth, it steals our sense of purpose. We feel adrift and worthless when we fritter away our days. God created us to make a difference in His kingdom. Idleness robs us of lasting reward.

Fifth, laziness often leads to other sins. It creates empty time and space for the Enemy to tempt us into all kinds of trouble. Diligence is a barrier against moral failure.

By God’s power, every believer can overcome slothfulness and live with discipline, passion, and zeal. We must decide that idleness is not an option if we want to shine for Christ and hear, “Well done!”

8. Being prideful or arrogant.

Pride is incredibly dangerous for a believer’s spiritual walk. At its core, pride is the sin of wanting to be God. We pridefully try to seize His glory as our own. This manifests in toxic ways. Pride or arrogance are habits that will destroy your faith.

First, pride blinds us from seeing our own flaws and need for a Savior. The prideful person thinks they don’t need grace or forgiveness. They deny their brokenness. This keeps them from receiving Christ’s healing redemption.

Second, pride prevents us from learning. We stop listening, for why would a know-it-all need counsel? The prideful heart stunts spiritual growth and maturity. Like a Pharisee, it already has all the answers.

Third, pride destroys relationships. It manifests as a judgmental spirit toward others, always comparing and competing. Nobody wants to befriend an arrogant person. Pride divides people instead of uniting them.

Fourth, pride leads to conflict. The prideful person insists on getting their own way. They don’t consider others’ perspectives or needs. When opposed, they angrily lash out to exert control. Pride is behind many church splits.

Fifth, pride invites God’s discipline. Scripture says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Pushing against God’s rightful authority is dangerous ground.

The antidote is simple: humility. Admitting we aren’t God, bowing low before Him, relying fully on His grace. As Charles Spurgeon said, “When pride is slain, humility takes its place; and God is well-pleased with humility.” Let us walk humbly with our God.

9. Being discontent or ungrateful.

Discontentment is a dangerous attitude that can subtly erode our spirit. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and coveting what they have – a bigger house, a fancier car, a higher paying job. We look at their lives and think, “Why can’t I have that too?”

But it is one of the habits that will destroy your faith. This attitude of ingratitude and envy fails to appreciate what we already have. It blinds us to the blessings right in front of us – our health, loved ones, provisions from God. When we are discontent, we essentially communicate to God that what He has given is not enough.

Discontentment is like a weed that chokes out our ability to experience joy. It makes us forget all the ways God has already provided for us. A spirit of thankfulness is the best antidote. Rather than envying others, we do better to count our own blessings. As the old hymn goes, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

For example, I used to wish I could buy a nice luxury car I saw around town. But one day, as I was driving my reliable 12-year-old Toyota, I made a conscious effort to be thankful for it. I thanked God for providing transportation, for keeping it running all these years, and for blessing me with a paid-off vehicle. My attitude shifted from envy to gratitude. From want mindset to an abundance mindset. I realized the luxury car would not actually increase my long-term happiness. Discontentment melted away as I practiced gratitude for what I had rather than what I lacked.

10. Being hypocritical or insincere

Hypocrisy is a dangerous trap that can undermine our Christian witness. When our actions don’t match our words, we project an air of insincerity that is off-putting to others. Worse still, it is offensive to God, who desires truth and integrity.

It’s easy to point out hypocrisy in others, but much harder to identify in ourselves. We are often blind to our own spiritual pretense. We assume good motives while judging others harshly. But God sees our hearts clearly.

Hypocrisy slips in when we say the right Christian lingo but our private lives tell another story. For instance, we talk about loving our neighbor, but gossip about them instead. We claim to serve God, but rarely crack open a Bible or pray. Our social media profiles present an image of godliness that just isn’t real.

Rather than try to keep up a facade, we do better to live authentically. This means bringing the public and private aspects of our lives into greater alignment with Christ’s example. We should take quiet time to examine our hearts and pray for the Holy Spirit to convict us of hidden hypocrisy. As Jesus said, we must first take the log out of our own eye before removing the speck from another’s eye.

When exposed, hypocrisy can be a catalyst for real life change. My small group leader approached me about my hypocritical complaining about a friend behind her back. Embarrassed as I was, it sparked me to work on my gossip habit and become more transparent. Though uncomfortable, her honesty was an act of love that helped refine my walk with Christ.

Conclusion

These are some of the habits that will destroy your faith and walk with God. They are not easy to break, but they are not impossible to overcome. With God’s help, we can identify, confess, repent, and forsake these habits and replace them with godly habits that will strengthen our faith and walk with God. Let us ask God to search our hearts and reveal any habit that is displeasing to Him and hindering our growth in Him. Let us also ask Him to give us the grace, power, and wisdom to change for His glory.