Spirituality #2

In Galatians 6:1, Paul said, "...those who are spiritual...." In the last post, we took a look at what spirituality is not. But, who are these people?

A popular definition of the term is "believing in the unseen realm of spirits and being devoted to a system of feeling and/or acting based on the acceptance of those unseen realities." By this definition, animist or Buddhist who meditate for hours are spiritual. Also, Muslims who want to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam is spiritual. However, the Christian must discover and accept God's meaning for biblical terms. "Spiritual" is the adjective form of the noun "spirit." "Spirit has a very broad usage, such as, breath, wind, angels, feelings, will, demons, the quality of life, and man's inner being. When Jesus gave us a description of God, He said, "God is a spirit" (John 2:24). It is from this particular meaning of spirit as related to God that the term spiritual gets its primary New Testament meaning (One exception is Ephesians 6:12). "Spiritual" means "of, or pertaining to, God." It applies to a number of things reflecting a divine connection: the Law of Moses (Romans 7:14); The gospel (Romans 15:27); Reveled truth (1 Corinthians 2:13, 9:14; Power of miraculous gifts (Romans 1:11); Blessings (Ephesians 1:3); Songs (Ephesians 5:19, Col. 3:16). Throughout the New Testament it is apparent that when an inspired writer wanted to lift the reader to the God standing behind those things which have touched or can touch one's life, he used the term spiritual.

Paul made a distinction between those who are spiritual and those who are babes (1 Corinthians 2:14-3:1). He showed that it is an attitude toward revealed truth (1 Corinthians 14:37). Being spiritual has its reality in objective Bible truth and the manner in which a person opens his heart to it. This is how spirituality comes into one's life. Thus, being spiritual is not only to receive, but to LIVE according to the will of Christ (Galatians 5:19-61). The spiritual person of Galatians 6:1 is one who is busy maturing the qualites of personality possessed by Jesus and expressing them in service.

How can you know when one is spiritual? It is anyone who believes Bible truth and conforms his life to it. The degree to which one meets these criteria determines spirituality. Spirituality is not simply an "emotional high." As a matter of fact, Jesus recognized the fact that we may become tired and emotionally drained (Mark 6:31; 2 Corinthians 1:8, 4:8).

Hebrews 5:12-14 is a key passage to becoming more spiritual. It has to do with work and maturity. There is a need for food (personal Bible study). There is a need for exercise (constant use of what one learns). Of course, we must also claim God's help (Hebrews 4:16).

Imagine two Christians. One does a great deal of talking about the love of God. He gives an impressive discussion of Christianity using beautiful expressions of faith. The other is very quiet. When someone needs help, when one is discouraged, when one needs guidance, when one is wandering away, HE IS THERE! Which of these two is the spiritual person? It is one thing to talk a good game, but spirituality will put these things into practice.