Clifford

I believe the factors that help us grow in the faith include regular church attendance, Sunday School, fellowshipping with other beleivers in both social and learning environments, going on missions, having an accountability partner, daily Bible reading, daily devotionals, and prayer. One Biblical example I think of is Daniel where he spent time with God at least three times a day. We also need to be aware of the company we keep, the food we eat, the drink we drink, the rest we get, the books we read, and the media we listen too and watch.

I would suggest that "riches" is the number one thorn that we struggle with the most. First of all, Jesus mentioned it first and the others follow it. Paul mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:9 "Those who are eager to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into numerous thoughtless and hurtful cravings that pulnge people into destruction and ruin. For the love of moey is the root of all evils." I think the thorn or worries tend to hit all of us because of our maturity in the faith. The thorn of pleasures is a danger too but not as much because God wants us to enjoy our life not live martyrly.

Without repenting I can not really come near to God because God will not allow sin into heaven. If we do not repent, then God will not recognize us when we do come into his presence. We avoid repentance partly because we don't won't to change our ways and follow "The Way." If I were to guess, it would have to be about 50%.