A Simple Reflection on Barriers and the Hope Found in Christ
Have you ever wondered why it sometimes feels so hard to get close to God? Many people—whether they’re just curious or deeply devoted—sense a distance between themselves and God’s presence. The truth is, there are major obstacles that stand in the way. But the good news is that these hurdles aren’t insurmountable, thanks to what Jesus did for us. Let’s break down these challenges in everyday terms, so we can better understand what keeps us from God—and what can bring us near.
1. The Debt of Sin: Our Moral Bankruptcy
Imagine you owed someone a debt you could never pay back—no matter how hard you tried. That’s the situation humanity faces with God because of sin. We’ve all messed up and fallen short of the perfect standard God set. Every religion tries to solve this problem. People work hard to be good, hoping to “earn” their way back to God. But no matter how many good deeds we do, it can never completely erase the sense of guilt or pay off our debt.
Think of it like a criminal wanting to meet the queen. Even if he wants it badly, he can’t just show up; his criminal record stands in the way. The only way he can be admitted is if someone else arranges a legal pardon—wipes away his past completely. In the same way, we need someone to clear our record with God. That’s what Jesus did: He paid the debt we couldn’t, offering us a full pardon and restoring us as if we’d never sinned.
2. The Stain of Sin: The Need for Cleansing
But let’s say our criminal friend is pardoned—his crimes are erased. He still can’t just walk into the queen’s presence straight from the streets, dirty and disheveled. He needs to be cleaned up and properly dressed. In the same way, even when our past sins are forgiven, our present condition matters.
We all still struggle with wrong thoughts and attitudes, and these “foul scents” of sin keep us from drawing near to a holy God. God’s standard is perfection; He doesn’t lower it for anyone. But again, Jesus provides what we need: He not only forgives us, but also cleanses us, giving us a new “robe” of righteousness, so we’re fit to enter God’s presence. This isn’t something we can do ourselves—it’s a gift received by faith.
3. The Lost Sense of Majesty: Forgetting Who God Is
There’s another subtle barrier: We’ve lost our sense of God’s majesty. In the past, people had a deep respect for the greatness and holiness of God. Today, it’s easy to see God as just a friend or a helper and forget that He is the awesome Creator of the universe. Our culture often downplays the dignity of humanity, too, seeing us as just a product of chance rather than beings created in God’s image.
When we lose sight of God’s greatness and our true value as His creation, our desire to seek His presence fades. We settle for shallow substitutes—quick fixes, easy steps, or spiritual “gadgets” that promise happiness but leave us empty. True closeness with God calls for awe and reverence, not just casual curiosity.
Reclaiming the Presence of God
So, what’s the solution? There’s no magic formula or shortcut. Getting close to God takes desire, humility, and a willingness to let Him work in us. It means trusting in what Jesus has done—accepting both the pardon and the cleansing He offers—and recovering a sense of awe at His majesty.
No matter how far we feel from God, our hearts were made for His presence. The barriers are real, but they have already been overcome by Christ. All that’s left is to respond: to hunger for God, to seek Him, and to let Him draw us near. As Thomas à Kempis wrote, to really grow spiritually, we must learn to enjoy God’s company—free from the distractions of the world. The door to God’s presence is open. Will you step in?
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