Following Jesus in 2025: 7 Obstacles American Christians Must Overcome

Following Jesus has never been easy, but modern American Christians face unique obstacles that can make discipleship particularly challenging. From cultural pressures to technological distractions, here are seven significant challenges—and practical ways to overcome them.

1. The Individualism Trap

American culture celebrates independence and personal freedom—values that often clash with Jesus' emphasis on community and self-sacrifice. When faith becomes primarily about "my personal relationship with Jesus" without connection to others, discipleship suffers.

Many Christians approach church with a consumer mindset, church-shopping for the experience that best meets their preferences rather than committing to a community where they can both serve and be challenged to grow.

How to overcome it: Intentionally counter individualism by committing to a local church community, even when it's uncomfortable. Remember that Jesus didn't call isolated followers but built a community. Join a small group where you're known deeply and can practice the "one anothers" of Scripture.

2. The Tyranny of Busyness

Perhaps no challenge is more universal than the overwhelming pace of modern life. Between work demands, family responsibilities, and constant digital connectivity, many Christians struggle to find time for spiritual disciplines.

When calendar notifications constantly interrupt prayer and Netflix binges replace Bible reading, spiritual growth inevitably stalls. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, but many of us can't remember the last time we experienced true silence.

How to overcome it: Start small by protecting just 15 minutes daily for uninterrupted communion with God. Use technology intentionally by scheduling "no-phone" zones in your day. Remember that busyness is often a choice, not an obligation—be willing to say no to good things to prioritize what's best.

3. Biblical Illiteracy

Despite unprecedented access to biblical resources, many Christians have never read the entire Bible and struggle to connect Scripture to everyday decisions. Many rely on borrowed insights from sermons or social media rather than developing personal biblical literacy.

When Christians don't know what Scripture actually says, they become vulnerable to both cultural compromise and rigid legalism. Faith becomes shaped more by popular opinion than divine revelation.

How to overcome it: Commit to a systematic Bible reading plan rather than random verses. Join a Bible study that teaches interpretation skills, not just devotional applications. When you hear a teaching, follow the example of the Bereans who "examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (Acts 17:11).

4. Isolation in a Connected Age

Despite being more "connected" than ever through technology, many Christians experience profound isolation. Digital interactions often replace face-to-face relationships, creating the illusion of community without the vulnerability and accountability that genuine discipleship requires.

Churches can unintentionally contribute to this problem when they offer polished Sunday experiences but few opportunities for authentic relationship. Jesus lived daily life with his disciples, not just scheduled meetings.

How to overcome it: Pursue depth over breadth in relationships. Instead of maintaining dozens of shallow connections, invest deeply in a few relationships where you can be fully known. Share meals, not just messages. Be intentional about creating tech-free spaces for genuine connection.

5. Cultural Accommodation

In a society increasingly hostile to traditional Christian values, many believers struggle with the tension between cultural relevance and biblical fidelity. The pressure to conform—whether on issues of sexuality, success, or political alignment—can be overwhelming.

Some Christians respond by retreating into Christian bubbles, while others compromise core beliefs to avoid conflict. Neither approach reflects Jesus' model of being "in the world but not of it."

How to overcome it: Develop a robust understanding of biblical worldview that goes beyond simplistic rules. Practice discussing controversial topics with humility and conviction. Find mentors who model cultural engagement without compromise, and remember that faithfulness often means being countercultural.

6. Commitment Phobia

In a culture that values options and flexibility, many Christians struggle with long-term commitment—whether to a church community, spiritual disciplines, or discipleship relationships. The "fear of missing out" leads to shallow engagement with multiple activities rather than deep investment in what matters most.

Discipleship becomes a series of events or programs rather than a sustained journey of transformation. When difficulties arise, the easy option of switching churches or dropping commitments undermines spiritual growth.

How to overcome it: Start with small, specific commitments and follow through consistently. Find an accountability partner for spiritual disciplines. Remember that growth often happens during seasons of perseverance, not constant change. As Jesus taught, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

7. Prioritizing Knowledge Over Transformation

Many discipleship efforts focus primarily on transferring information rather than transforming character. Bible studies that increase knowledge without application, or sermons that inform but don't challenge life change, create Christians who know more but look less like Jesus.

This intellectual approach to faith sometimes leads to pride rather than Christlikeness. As Paul warned, "Knowledge puffs up while love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1).

How to overcome it: Approach Scripture with the question "How must I change?" not just "What does this mean?" Find mentors who will hold you accountable for application, not just understanding. Remember that Jesus praised those who put his teachings into practice, not just those who heard them (Matthew 7:24-27).

Significant but Not Insurmountable

These challenges are significant, but not insurmountable. Jesus promised that his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30). The Christian journey has never been about perfect performance but faithful perseverance.

By recognizing these challenges and intentionally addressing them, we can follow Jesus more faithfully in our complex, modern context—not despite the challenges, but through them.