How Can I Be More Spiritual?
by David Sproule
In a world that is dominated by the material, the sensual and self-gratification, an attentive Christian should ask, “How can I be more spiritual?” Unfortunately, the idea of being “spiritual” is misunderstood.
To be spiritual is not some mystical idea that one has; it is not some emotional feeling that comes over a person; it is not physiological phenomenon that sweeps over one’s body; it is not some fake attitude that one puts on or some holier-than-thou posture to appear “spiritual.” So, what is it? What does it mean to be spiritual? How can I be more spiritual?
God does not leave us to wonder or to fill in the blanks ourselves. He does not let us make up our own minds what it means to be spiritual. In Galatians 6:1, God calls upon “you who are spiritual…” But, who is that? Would the Christians of Galatia know if they met the criteria of being spiritual or not? Within the context of Chapters 5 and 6, God describes the spiritual person as one who is connected with the Spirit in a way which He specifies.
The Spirit is the One who revealed the mind, thoughts and things of God to the inspired writers (1 Corinthians 2:11-14), and “moved” them to record the words of holy writ (2 Peter 1:21). Thus, to speak of a Christian’s relationship to the Spirit is to speak of a Christian’s relationship to the Spirit-given Word. Now, who are the spiritual and how can I be more spiritual?
The spiritual are “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18). To be more spiritual, I need to get into the Word and let it lead me!
The spiritual “live in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). To be more spiritual, I need to abide in the Word (John 8:31; 15:7) and let it abide in me, permeating all aspects of my life!
The spiritual “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25). To be more spiritual, my daily walk must be to live in the Word and to live the Word! To be “led by,” “live in,” and “walk in” the Spirit is equivalent to the one who “sows to the Spirit” (6:8).
The spiritual bear “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). A “God-ward” life is one both inward and outward in its manifestations. Spirituality is evidence by the fruit it bears!
The spiritual, like “the Spirit,” “are against the flesh” and even “crucify the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:17, 25). In the life of one who is spiritual, the works of the flesh are never confused with the fruit of the Spirit.
The spiritual “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). The desire to think and to act like their Savior!
via Park Ave. church bulletin
Charleston, WV