There is much emphasis in the religious world about spirituality, or being spiritual. Most people who follow Christ would like to think they are spiritual—but are we? Is spirituality a biblical concept? Most definitely! Does God want us to be spiritual? Most definitely! Yet there can be a vast difference between being a member of the church and being genuinely spiritual.
The English word spiritual (used twenty-six times in the New Testament) refers to those who are mature in the Lord. Paul could not speak to the Corinthian church spiritually because they were carnal minded (cf. 1 Cor. 3:1-3). Envy, strife, and division marred their spirituality. Instead of unity, divisiveness characterized this church (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10-12). Paul later exhorted the spiritual to restore those overtaken by sin (Gal. 6:1). Those lacking spirituality must first be restored themselves before they can restore others.
Marks of the Spiritual Person:
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He believes deeply in God’s existence and sovereignty. – “Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Ps. 100:3). Realizing that God created us, the spiritual person seeks a close relationship with his Maker.
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He admits he cannot direct his own life. – “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). The spiritual person looks to God for guidance, finding it in Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105).
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He sets his heart to obey. – Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). The ASV says, “Ezra had set his heart…” Nothing in our walk with God happens by accident—we must set our hearts on faithfulness, obedience, and winning souls.
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He views life in light of eternity. – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). Material things perish. Suffering passes. But the soul and eternity remain.
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He refuses to be consumed by materialism. – “Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1). Trusting Jesus’ promise, he knows that when he seeks first God’s kingdom, the necessities of life will follow (Matt. 6:33).
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He strives for balance. – The Lord did not give us the option of choosing certain areas of service while neglecting others. We must “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3), defend the gospel (Phil. 1:17), and live daily lives that prove “what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).
Spirituality is within the reach of every Christian, but it is not automatic. It comes only through determined effort, humble obedience, and steady growth in our relationship with God. May He help us all to strive for this noble quality of life.
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