What’s Stalling Your Spiritual Transformation?
Spot the Roadblocks Holding Back Your Growth in Virtue
“I’m only human.”
Have you ever heard someone attribute a weakness or mistake to being human?
The apostle Peter might suggest that a more accurate description of such action would be that we’ve acted inhumanely. In fact, in his second letter, we see that it is in being fully human that we most closely resemble Jesus.
God made good human beings, in His image, and Peter reminds us that we’re not to try to discard our humanity, but we are instead to escape the “corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” (2 Peter 1:4).
We’ve been forgiven through Jesus, Peter continues, and are empowered to cultivate virtues in our life like faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love for everyone.
God’s Part in Our Transformation
Throughout Scripture, God calls His people not just to believe, but to become. Transformation is not about earning God’s favor or proving your worth. It’s about becoming more responsive to the Holy Spirit, more surrendered to Jesus, and more consistent in bearing the fruit of His character.
But here’s the challenge: Spiritual growth isn’t automatic. We can be in church, serve faithfully, even study Scripture—and still stay the same on the inside.
But here’s the gift: God has given us everything we need for all that we need to become. His divine nature dwells in us, and His promises guarantee we can grow to be more like Him (2 Peter 1:3).
Our Part in Our Transformation
Developing godly virtues requires endeavor on our part. We’re to “make every effort” to respond to God’s promises (2 Peter 1:5).
In other words, we’re to actively follow Jesus, not just passively believe in Jesus. As we seek God’s power to do so, we must choose to do what builds these virtues in our lives.
We can’t just drift into Christlikeness. Although we are loved exactly where we are, the love that finds us also wants to remake us. Transformation is a lifelong work of the Spirit in us as He uses multiples our efforts to reproduce Christ’s character in us. He unveils Christ’s beauty (2 Corinthians 3:18), reshapes our thinking (Romans 12:2), and produces fruit we cannot manufacture (Galatians 5:22–23).
Our part is cooperation—making “every effort,” listening, and yielding, so Jesus’ life can flow through ours.
Peter’s Transformation
Peter’s own life shows what this looks like. Early on he was impulsive, quick to speak, slow to understand, and confident in himself. So confident, in fact, that he once tried to dissuade Jesus from His mission. Yet also so fearful that he denied Jesus before the cross. After the resurrection, however, the fisherman who once swung a sword was transformed into a man totally surrendered to Jesus.
Roadblocks-to-Virtues Checklist
Reflection is essential to spiritual growth. It slows us down enough to see our blind spots. If you would like to reflect on your own transformative journey, here is a checklist identifying obstacles that can delay or prevent us from developing the eight virtues listed by Peter.
The questions are challenging by design. They’re meant to invite our honesty, surrender, and a fresh yes to the Spirit’s forming work.
1. Faith (trusting God)
Low Expectations: When did I last believe that God would answer a prayer or guide me—and notice that He did?
Cynicism in Disguise: What areas do I dismiss with “that won’t change,” revealing unbelief rather than prayerful perseverance?
Control Reflex: Where do I cling to my control (people, plans, timelines) instead of surrendering to the Spirit’s lead?
2. Moral Excellence (integrity in action)
Compromise Creep: What “small” habit or attitude am I rationalizing that is actually shaping me away from Jesus?
Image Management: Where do I care more about appearing spiritual than actually walking in truth and repentance?
Comfort-First Choices: What obedience have I postponed because it is costly, inconvenient, or uncomfortable?
3. Knowledge (Spirit-shaped discernment)
Self-Directed Plans: Where am I asking God to bless what I’ve already decided instead of seeking His direction first?
Noise-Driven Life: Do I allocate time to be still and know God?
Isolation from Correction: Who has permission to challenge me, and when did I last invite honest feedback and prayer?
Unteachable Spirit: Where am I resisting accountability or refusing to learn because it threatens my current preferences?
4. Self-Control (surrendered desires)
Scroll-Shaped Desires: How is my screen time training my desires more than Scripture and prayer are?
Impulse-Driven Living: What desire or mood is steering my choices more than the Spirit and the Word?
5. Perseverance (faithful endurance)
Outcome-Over-Obedience: Where am I chasing the results I want rather than the next faithful step God is asking of me?
Quit-When-It’s-Hard: Where did I back away from a hard obedience because it was slow, costly, or discouraging?
6. Godliness (God-centered living)
Going Through the Motions: What part of my time with God (like worship, prayer, Scripture) has become mechanical instead of relational?
Casual with the Holy: Has awe faded from my life with God? When did I last respond to His presence with reverence?
7. Brotherly Affection (caring in community)
Community Without Confession: When was the last time I shared a real struggle with a trusted friend?
Comparison Hunger: Whose life or platform am I using to measure my worth? What is that doing to my gratitude?
Withholding Care: Who in the family of God am I avoiding because serving them feels inconvenient or beneath me?
8. Love for Everyone (seeking good for others )
Love Gone Selective: Whose good am I unwilling to seek unless it benefits me or aligns with my preferences?
Resentment Ledger: Whose past offense am I still “keeping score” on, making it hard to seek their good?
Words of Encouragement
Remember, in Christ, you already have “everything you need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3–4). God is asking you to participate in what He has already given you—His Spirit, His promises, His presence.
Start small. Pick one virtue to practice in ordinary moments (like take five extra minutes to finish the hard task; make a measured and not impulsive response). Small, repeated choices shape a new habit.
When you stumble, don’t spiral! Confess, receive grace, and take another faithful step.
Also, don’t walk alone. Transformation is a team sport. Tell a trusted friend the one area you’re practicing this week; ask for prayer and honest feedback. Celebrate wins together.
Finally, keep your eyes forward. Peter’s promise is wonderfully realistic: “If these qualities are yours and are increasing…” (2 Peter 1:8). Not perfect but increasing. Let that thought free you to keep going!
Lord Jesus, thank You that Your divine power and precious promises are already mine. Grow in me what I cannot grow alone. Help me make every effort, in step with Your Spirit, to become more like You—today, in the small things. Amen.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2“Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.” Ephesians 4:13