Spiritual Growth Eph.4:11-16.               continuation
Another obstacle to Spiritual Growth is-Character Flaws.
What are they? They are defects in our character or personality which we see as natural but if not corrected can become hindrances to Spiritual Growth. These can be genetic faults in our character or simply habits, not necessarily sinful but nevertheless they can spoil our spiritual nature. Some of these flaws are:
Over-sensitivity, deep sense of unworthiness, quick temper, etc. Over-sensitivity can be a positive quality in life but if it is over the limit it can have negative effects in us. As believers we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the things of God as well as to our fellow human beings. Sensitive in the sense that we must be aware of God's demands upon our lives and be mindful not to offend the Holy Spirit in any way.
We need to develop sensitivity towards the way the Holy Spirit operates in our lives else we shall not be able to answer His call, a thing that can lead us to disastrous ends. We need to show sensitivity towards our fellow human beings, whether believers or unbelievers, so that we can treat then in love and care for their well being.
Insensitivity towards our neighbour will cause us to live lives no different from ungodly people, caring only about ourselves and being conscious about nobody's needs. Christianity is a religion of love and God's Spirit makes us sensitive to this end. Insensitive people do not care whether they hurt you or not. The other end of sensitivity is Over sensitivity or commonly known as 'Touchiness'.
Oversensitive people are constantly hurt and imagine that everybody wants to hurt them. Such people live lives that are insecure or are constantly 'up and down'. A frown or a rebuke is enough to cause them a serious upset or depression. This is a shallow way of living.
How does Over sensitivity develop in a person's character? Usually from deep hurts that are caused in a person's life, often from childhood. 
Such people will often magnify trivial problems in their minds and imagine that other people criticize them or are against them. Oversensitive people have a great struggle in their Christian lives because they attribute to God and to their fellow believers feelings and attitudes that neither hold water or are true.
What is the remedy for Over sensitivity? Ps. 139:23-24, calls us to search the heart by the Holy Spirit who can bring into the open the very problems hidden deep in the heart and bring cleansing in the life and character.                                                To be continued

Spiritual Growth Eph.4:11-16.             Continuation
The question often asked is, How should we face Temptation?
There is only one example to follow in Scripture, that of the Lord Jesus, the way He faced the Devil and his temptation. We need to note the strategy of the Devil and how the Lord dealt with it.
The Lord did not face temptation in His own strength but with the Word of God. That is the weapon God placed in our hands and we must use it-Luke 4:3-4. The Devil has no authority against the Word of God, only lies and more lies.
Many believers are not wise enough and get into an argument with the Devil. Never do such a thing. He knows his job better than we do, but it is vital to discern where temptation comes from. Apart from the Devil it can come or originate from our own carnal desires. Temptation can usually start in our own minds as thoughts and if we allow them to take hold of our will they will lead to sin. A thought is not necessarily sin, provided we deal with it there and then in the Name of Jesus. If the thought persists in coming back in an uncanny way beware! It is probably from the Devil. The Devil will work closely with our flesh but Jesus said, 'If your eye offends you....'-Matt.18:9.
Do not let temptation overcome you but overcome temptation with God's Word. The Devil will do his best to control your mind with sinful thoughts. Keep your mind under the Power of the Blood. Every day plead the blood upon you to protect you from the devil's fiery darts. You cannot stop a bird flying round your head but you can stop it making a nest in your hair.
We have to face temptation but sometimes run away from the agent of temptation (c.f. Joseph's action against Potipher's wife.)
How does Temptation affect our spiritual Growth? Usually, by making the person feel continually that sin has been committed or there is failure in the Christian life, but it is written 'Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh...'-Gal.5:16.                                 To be continued