Spirituality #1

In Galatians 6:1, Paul speaks of those who are "spiritual." This indicates that there is a state of being which is called "spiritual." But, what is spirituality? Many don't understand this basic New Testament concept, and therefore, we will take time in the next few posts to discuss it. In order to better understand spirituality, our first study will be a discussion of what it is not.

A spiritual person is not one with warm feelings or great emotions. Yes, emotion is inherent in Christianity, but it is not based on pure emotion (Isaiah 1:18; John 6:44,45; Romans 10:17). Spirituality is also based on learning and reason. We would do well to remember that emotions can't always be trusted because they are not necessarily based on evidence or truth. It is also very easy to manipulate one's emotions.

A spiritual person is not one who does a lot of talking about their own dedication. Some people act as if saying that they are something makes it true. Didn't Jesus condemn those who made a show of their "spirituality" (Matthew 6:7)?

A spiritual person is not one who only keeps negative commands. It is not enough simply to keep the "Thou shalt not's." There is more to obeying Jesus than just not doing some things. There are also things we must do. What about the Great Commission? What about brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1)? What about benevolence (James 1:27)? As Christians, we must take the initiative to do what Christ would have us to do.

A spiritual person does not use some mechanical process to become so. There is not a book or CD on "How to Become Spiritual In Five Minutes a Day." Well there might be, but I would doubt its effectiveness. I once received a letter stating that if I would carry some kind of cross in my pocket, I would prosper spiritually. Of course, they also wanted money. What we need is to get the crosses out of our pockets and into our lives (Luke 9:23). This is a 24/7 proposition.

A spiritual person is not spasmodic in living the Christian life. This is the on again/off again type of Christianity. A spiritually minded person doesn't try to take it on and off like clothes. They don't push a button to turn their spirituality on and off.

A spiritual person is not produced by baptism. Of course, this is when one is added to the body of Christ (Galatians 3:27). This is when one becomes a Christian, but he is also a babe in Christ (1 Peter 2:2). Yes, a Christian is a spiritual being, but growth is necessary (Hebrews 5:12-14).

A spiritual person is not necessarily one who is faithful in attendance. All spiritual people are faithful, but not all faithful people are spiritual. Faithfulness is a stepping stone to spirituality. An individual can be faithful in attendance and unfaithful in living the Christian life.

Finally, a spiritual person is not one who lives without relying on Christ. Even Paul recognized this (Philippians 4:13). We find our strength in Him (Ephesians 6:10). If you want to be spiritual, depend on the Lord.

Just being a good person or even faithful in some aspects of Christianity doesn't make one spiritual. There is so much more to it. My next post will deal with what spirituality is. Have a great day!