“Ongoing sin tolerated in a believer’s life is one of the main things that blocks effective prayer and hinders growth…The one who loves God cultivates pure prayer and throws off every hindering passion.” (Foundation Study Bible, Psalms 66:18, St. Maximos the Confessor)
“God is not content with our doing what is right some of the time. He wants us to do what is right all the time. We are under His orders to eliminate any thoughts, practices, or possessions that hinder our devotion to Him." (Life Application Study Bible, Joshua 7:10-12)
“Jesus…in Matthew 6, alerts us to the two main things that will block or hinder a life constantly interactive with God and healthy growth in the kingdom. These are the approval of others, especially for being devout, and the desire to secure ourselves by means of material wealth.” (Dallas Willard)
“Conceit, or vainglory, is a fatal vice. It hinders spiritual growth, for conceit causes us to despite those who have a different way of life, thinking we are better than they…To be conceited is a form of idolatry." (Orthodox Study Bible, Philippians 2:3)
“We are often hindered from giving up our treasures to the Lord out of fear for their safety; this is especially true when those treasures are loved relatives and friends. But we need have no such fears. Our Lord came not to destroy but to save. Everything is safe which we commit to Him, and nothing is really safe which is not so committed.” (A.W. Tozer)