Jan 16
What is Spirituality?
In today’s culture there is a crescendo in the use of the term “spirituality.” So what is spirituality? Is the Dali Lama, Marianne Williamson, Anthony Robins, Wayne Dyer, or even Opra spiritual? Do we have the ability to become spiritual on our own? What are the qualities of a spiritual person?
Write me, I’d like to hear from you and read what you think, and then I’ll tell you what I think.
98 Comments so far
Leave a comment
Loading ...
That’s such a good question. I always wondered what it really means and therefore have not used the term ’spirituality’. I assume it is a widely misused term and so I am looking forward to read what you think.
Barbara from Switzerland
I think “spirituality” is a 24/7 active relationship with my creator through my faith in the perfect work of Jesus Christ. It is a removal of the artificial compartmentalization of the sacred vs. the secular, and rather, a state of relationship with God in every and any situation, circumstance or activity.
Hi,
I think spirituality is a product of true communion with God. In the same way that strong muscles are the product of lifting weights, spirituality is a product of the interaction of our spirit with the Spirit of God. We can no more grow our muscles by sheer stregnth of will (without the physical activity), than we can grow our spirit by sheer stregnth of will, gaining of intellect, or intense emotional experiences, which would in fact be a soulish act (mind, will, emotions).
Thus, those “great sages” mentioned have grown, not in true spirituality, but in a “false” spirituality, whereby they are revered for their insight, intellect, compassion, etc. As you have said on many occaisions, they have climbed very high on the tree of knowledge of GOOD and evil. Or as Proverbs 14:12 succinctly puts it: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
So, the qualities of a spiritual person, in true communion with God, could be identified as qualities that demonstrate the heart of God, beginning with the fruits of the Spirit as evidence of spiritual growth.
You have stumped me. One thing I do know. Those people are only spiritual in my opinion if they commune with the Holy Spirit. I am not going to be much help on this one. There are other spirits but my love for the Holy Spirit precludes my ability to include them under the umbrella of ’spiritual.’
I guess at the fundamental level, that spirituality is the state of communing with the things of the spirit….
…then again, when one does warfare, one is not communing but it’s very spiritual…
oh you stumped me!
I think spirituality is a measure of the degree that we treat the spirit realm as if it is real. I think can relate to and interact with God’s Spirit and the angels(ministering spirits) and that should change us in a positive way. The degree to which we respond and live in the reality of what we have seen and heard determines our spirituality.
I think people of other religions are also spiritual because some really believe in the spirit realm and take their religion so seriously that they will die for it. However, if their spirituality leads them from the Truth, their spirituality will only harm them and others and proves to be false.
True spirituality will always lead people to Jesus Christ.
The answer to this question is loaded and should be prayerfully considered. I will pray on this to see how my heavenly wants me to answer this….
Shirley C. from Massachusetts, USA
Spirituality means to live from the core of our beings. Man’s spirit is created from the LIGHT of God. We are really spiritual beings that have souls and live in bodies. Our spirits are the essence of our existence. Our minds cannot grasp GOD but our spirits can. When we are born again we are born into the LIFE God intended we should have from the beginning. Pre-Christians have spirits that are just plugged into the wrong source.
The only SOURCE of LIFE for the spirit is FATHER GOD.
OK. Here goes. Spirituality is the degree of emphasis that a person puts on his or her connection to a transcendent or non-material reality, whether that reality exists as light or darkness. Possessing a spirit (and therefore some degree of spirituality), it is also an aspect of being created in God’s image, who is Spirit. Other aspects of God that are created in men and women include never-ending existence and freedom of choice.
Generally speaking, I think that it is something that comes from within, that is shed outwardly through natural expression…
Please help me if I’m wrong…
God Bless
Antonio from Portugal
Literally speaking, if a person is spiritual, the spiritual part of their being plays a major part in their living of life… that doesn’t say whether it is in a good or bad way. Oprah is much more “spiritual” than a lot of ordinary, existentialist, heart-dead American zombies, but is it any good to her–or anyone else? No, it brings harm–both to her and to many who look to her as an authority.
On the other hand, if by being spiritual we mean walking in grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, it is much harder to define. In fact, any concrete definition we try to put on it can turn into empty forms in a millisecond–just try it and see. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to understand; just that once you get it down to a formula you better start figuring again, because you will have lost the reality of what you were looking for.
My best guess (and I really am guessing here, though I have a clue it is on the right track) is that being spiritual, in the Biblical, Holy-Spirit-led sense is much more of an exercise that we grow in by practicing it than it is an abstract idea that we can define. Of course, it is accurate to say that if we are living spiritually (that is, the God-centered kind of spiritually) that all of our actions, words, thoughts and motives will be controlled by the Spirit of God and will glorify Him. But try giving that abstract fact to someone who is struggling and see how much help it is… It would probably be more of a discouragement than a help in most situations! God’s mercy is so great that He reaches down into our messes, and gives us one tiny step, just one little thing, to do next. He sees us when we try for perfection and fall down in broken disappointment the minute we fall short. He knows our wounds and our brokenness. And like a father, He holds our hand as we set out with tottering steps. He see us look up in the hope of His smile. And He loves and forgives us, all the way through. All the way from where we are (no matter how dark it is) to where we need to be (no matter how far off). Probably the biggest secret to being spiritual, for me at least, is in realizing I have a Heavenly Father. He loves me, delights me, and is more interested in my life than I am. If He is willing to touch me, to give one more “light” on this road that leads Home to Him, then who am I to lose hope? Who am I to say “This is too much”? He is our Father, our Shepherd, the One who never fails or is discouraged. He is LIGHT when all other hopes fade, and His love is the warmth my heart needs. When I stand at that fire, He turns my carnality into spirituality. One breath, one moment, one teardrop at a time… His love has no limit. I want to hang on to that comfort.
I believe Spirituality is being connected and fully submitted to the Lord, and living every aspect of your life for Him and not for the world, knowing you are Holy and acting as such. Brian from Michigan.
A spiritual person:
One who has made a decision between relationship and religion (and chosen the former). Someone who is desperate in love with The Great Divine. Spiritual people choose to error on the side of love. They have a worldview of something bigger than they are - something beyond the skin of this world.
People who are willing to “be even more undignified than this” and who will dare to “look like a fool in (their) own eyes)
And one who loves the Seahawks.
- Tyler
(That last one isn’t a prerequisite, but it sure is nice to have)
I believe that spirituality is being able to connect with the spiritual realm. Is this something that we have on own? I think that deep inside we all have a longing to connect with God. I believe that the first step for Christians to becoming spiritual is salvation. Although, even someone that has not yet received salvation can have a spiritual experience from God. But, this usually leads a person to salvation eventually. I believe that one of the qualities of a spiritual person is a hunger for God. If a person has other things that they desire more that God it will hinder them from entering into the Spiritual. The main thing is having a deep desire to know God and be in his presence. I think that faith is another quality of a spiritual person. If a person has unbelief that would be a major hindrance to entering into the spiritual. I know that in my case I think about God a lot. I tend to think more about God than anything else. I also have a very strong fascination with Heaven. People that know me well, know this about me. Well, I guess it all comes back to the same thing and that is the desire to be with God. Unfortunately, on earth it is not possible to be in the presence of God all the time. Am I making any sense? There is also Spirituality for those that are misguided.
There are also people that are deceived and enter into the spiritual realm that is not of God. But, I guess that is not something that I care to focus on. I could probably say a lot more. But, I don’t want to overdo it. I am interested to hear what you have to say. I think that you are probably much better at explaining this than I am.
Overused, misunderstood, wrongheaded teaching, poor examples could perhaps cover some of the negative expressions of being “spiritual”.
Truely spiritual, perhaps sending money to feed poor starving children instead of to people with a private Lear Jet and three mansions???
Spending time helping a widow in a nursing home instead of chasing mens praise in the politically charged church???
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Perhaps I’m wrong.
All humans are spiritual. Jesus never taught on how to have/live a spiritual life… for We are born and shaped in iniquity and from the time we leave our mothers womb our spirits are being formed…then after entering into relationship with Jesus our spirits/hearts begin to be TRANSformed. I believe all humans to be spiritual.
but nevertheless our culture has attached many meanings to the word “spiritual”.
according to our culture “spiritual” could mean: religious, quiet/mysterious, joyful/glowing/positive, new age, gifted/sensitive/wise, etc.
i greatly enjoy these blogs John Paul. blessings!!
Wow! The Term Spirituality is a deep subject for me. I come from a non-deonominational back ground married a ex Church of Christ preacher. Can you imagine? He went to bible college then to Princeton for undergraduate. He knows the word and was introduced to the Holy Spirit through his spiritual walk which made him unpopular in his denomination which he left. I on the other hand was open to the Holy spirit but, was not familar with the doctorine of Demons.So when we married four years he began teaching me the word in the Book of Acts and Corinthians. And how God wanted his people to develop in their spiritual walk and know him.Truly know him.Now we have the opportunity to share with other Church of Christ members who thought the acts of the Holy Spirit died with the apostles.God Speaks diferently to different people. I tell people God speaks BLONDE! Ha Spirituality is relating to God about your life. Allowing yourself to be spirit led. I always pray Heavenly Father I want to hear your voice . A voice of another. I do not recognize. If I am unsure. I pray for a confirmation. And it never fails he will relate to me the answer that brings peace. To me that is spirituality. Seeking God for answers in the spiritual for the pyhsical.I truly am begining to understand that what we battle is not flesh and blood but powers and principalities. And it takes spiritual walk in order to walk out a Godly walk or to follow your purpose for which you were created. If you deny yourself spiritual gifts. That puts a wall up to where God can not communicate to you.
Okay John Paul, this is a loaded question if there ever was one!
Are these folks you mention spiritual? In the sense that we are all spiritual because God created us that way, I would say yes. However, they are in each in their own way drawing from the dark side. Maybe more overtly than those who do not have the public platform that they do, or those who are not as intentional in their apparent spiritual pursuit, such as the unknown person not connected to God who is not interested at all in “spiritual” pursuits.
If one is not born again and walking in right relationship with God, I believe they do not have true spirituality, which I believe is the ability to receive from God, love Him, and love others.
I’m in the business world and have seen some training materials that there is some unseen hidden force that you can give instructions to, or make requests of. The force is recognized as otherworldly but it is described as either morally neutral or intrinsically good. There is no distinction between there being good or evil.
Of course you’ve definitely piqued our curiousity to hear what your response is!
Blessings,
Dennis
I think of someone that is spiritual is someone who has the peace of God about them. They have a confidence, they don’t freak out when something bad happens. They are not the people who feel if something goes wrong that Satan and the hordes of hell are going to show up, throw them in the paddy wagon, and take them to hell! They have a calm about them, I just remember being in a bible study with someone who had a “screechy” spirit, they were so uptight and fearful it was hard to sit next to them.
I think that being spiritual is akin to being religious without a particular church backing the tenents of one’s belief system. (One can be spiritual by our culture’s definition and not belong to a particular faith system.) Maybe spirituality or our current use of the word describes the need of mankind to have something outside of ourselves to depend on especially during troubled times. Maybe it is our own spirit trying to rise above the crecendo of hopelessness that envelopes the mind of so many. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power source (God) and the spirit is trying to say “Here I am, in need of the true power source (our image maker). And the culture tries to find other ways of answering that need through what ever our fickle selves can mask our little minds around. And maybe I just haven’t any clue…
I believe spirituality is the privalige to see what the Father is doing and to hear what he is saying. As you are madly in Love with Jesus ministry to Him, the church and the world is true spirituality. The Eternal invisible engages into a visible realm from a marriage relationship!
Because God has placed eternity in men’s hearts, and we are tri-part beings, I have no problem accepting that the Dali Lama, Oprah or a Buddhist priest are “spiritual” people. The local warlock from the tiny island I come from is a deeply spiritual man. He practises necromancy, and consults familiar spirits, just as the witch of Endor in the book of Samuels. Their spirits are especially attune to the works of darkness. So in my view, yes, they are spiritual. Deeply spiritual I would emphasize.
Holiness, however is an alogether different affair.
Because holiness can only be imputed by a holy God through the finished work of the holy Christ; only the man or woman who has been to the cross, and has the indwelling seed of God in him can be called holy. John teaches that the man born of God cannot continue to sin because God’s seed dwells in him. There is nothing holy or righteous about the Dali Lama who entertains all manner of debauchery and lasciviousness as a way of life, and does not know the living God. The same goes for Oprah et al.
An intriguing question John Paul, I look forward to your response.
Most people I know who describe themselves as spiritual are seeking enlightenment and harmony with themselves, with nature, even the universe. They are often intuitive, tolerant, and care deeply about the well being of others, be they human, animal, plant, eco system or mother earth. I find these type of people to be warm, accepting and full of love. Often they are driven to embrace such ideas and philosophies out of their pain. Or else because churches do not accept their intuition and push them away as being superstitious or liberal. Most persons I have met who describe themselves as spiritual are looking for meaning and know there is much more to life and existence than mere flesh and blood or the materialistic drive to have money and many possesions. I have to admit I would rather spend time with these honest, truth seeking people than many well meaning Christians I have met. I have long preferred to think of myself as a follower of Christ, and not as a modern day American Christian. We have the truth of God’s word but most of us don’t know to truly love people with the Father’s love and seem to prefer condemning the lost instead of loving them into the Kingdom.
Spirituality is the recognition and expression of an eternal truth. The truth is that we are intended to be spirit filled beings; as such we are either filled with the indwelling of the Great One or we are full of something else.
The reason we choose to write it with a capital letter “S” these days is recognition of the eternal nature of this truth. Like all created truths they have been distorted and misused over time, this is part of the schemer’s master plan – take eternal truth, mix in enough confusion and then even those who were meant to figure it out would be afraid of it and shun it, classic maneuver…
How ironic - the ones who generally shun the Master have labeled their pursuit of enlightenment, “spirituality”. I love watching them transition to spelling it with a capital “S”. May it be so.
Spirituality…hmmmm, someone one who’s true focus is not about them. Whose lifestyle is driven by the heart of the Father. Who does only what he hears the Father say.
I don’t think I really know yet, but I think these scriptures are describing how we can become spiritual.
Mat 11:27-30 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” The Message
I have been aware of God calling me, for a long time now, to keep company with Him, and learn “The unforced rhythms of grace.”
I am looking forward to reading what you think.
As I commented on sticks in the ground, the familar thought came “do these words reach anyone”? I decided I should back off so as to not be an unwelcome guest. Bam, what an awesome door you have opened here John Paul. Huge and very brave!!! Right to the root of the very big tree. Indeed!!!
We are spirit, even if we never see past the flesh. I call it the “half-a-step” which many never dare to take; and for me a very rough adventure. Like a verse I once wrote, the emptiness of being filled! Just as God is God whether you believe or not, He created us “Spirit” whether we do “that” with a Big or little “S”.
Jesus had spirituality with a Big “S”, the pigs had spirtuality with a little “s” as they rushed down the bank for a swim.
Through all of my stumbles, my many mistakes, I am a bit amazed that they only made me crave the Spirit realm more and more….my Big “S”, yes, Jesus is my Superman. This was on-time, Thanks.
Spirituality is at the core of our being. We are spirits who have souls and we live in a body. Because we have bodies we have legal right to be in this earthly realm.
Father God is PURE LIGHT and we are light from HIS LIGHT.
When we are born again into HIS KINGDOM of LIGHT we step into our original design and purpose that HE crated us to be. Pre-Christians are still connected to the “wrong” source. The order is spirit in dominion over soul and then body and birthright. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The human spirit can perceive Father GOD. Our souls (mind, emotions & will) are limited in the spirit realm but our spirits have the capacity to fully receive from GOD.
God’s Light is not just the opposite of darkness - God’s LIGHT is like the whole universe compared to a grain of sea sand;there is no comparison. When we step into God’s Kingdom of LIGHT our spirits really comes alive.
Wow, this is really a huge subject. One off the youth leaders in my has some thoughts about it that I think is quite good. He says that we often misuse the word and it’s meaning, like someone is spiritual by praying a loot or read much in the bible. He thinks that all people are spiritual, because we are made by spirit as well as flesh and soul. If we for example got in to witchcraft,that would spiritual just as if we were Christians, only that it’s different spirits that manifest and works.
He thinks that words like spiritfullnes or something like that would be a better word to use. But I speak Norwegian, and it may be that the Norwegian and the English word is a little different, the English word may be stronger.
Be blessed!
I personally understand spirituality as our interaction with what is going on in the spiritual realm. This spirituality could be light or darkness. It also seems that a lot of people believe themselves to be spiritual (like oprah) but seem to be actually focused on soul or flesh.
Greg from Canada
Wow….what an open ended question. If I do not answer this now I will be thinking about this all day..haha.
Is is true we are all created in the image of God and whereby we are made of mind, body, and spirit. We are all searching to feed our spirit natures where we feel the emptiness that has been put there through Adam and Eve. That can be both good and bad. As there is the true Spirit and then there are “many” spirits which can and do lead people astray if they do not have the Word of God hidden in their hearts whereby directing them to the source of our redemption….His Son, Jesus.
To many, they believe there are several ways in which to get to God. I myself use to believe such. But God has said in His Word, that there is only one way thereby we have acceptance by Him and that is by the blood-bought sacrifice of His Son Christ Jesus. Without acknowledging what he suffered and went through for us because of His love for us we are left wandering, searching, accepting every doctrine that may blow our way.
It says in His Word, there is only ONE way in which to come to the Father and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Spirituality to me is having the knowledge of God but denying the power thereof. We see it all around us. To me that means our spirits are searching for that connection to God and thereby there are those who find closeness to him but I believe they are being deceived as to his infinite wisdom and power that is only obtained by believing the in the blood bought sacrifice of his son, Christ Jesus.
Spirituality is easy….it is all about attaining to be like Gods thinking only of ourselves. The true nature of God takes on the qualities of love, forgiveness, and helping those less fortunate then ourselves and using the power He has given us to heal the sick and the oppressed. And because His spirit resides in us when we accept his plan of salvation that we are able to carry on that spirit and give it to others.
Our nature should take on His nature as we study His word and listen and obey.
I see others as imitating that spirit and drawing people to them as somehow giving credence to God’s spirit that is drawing more and more people to searching for God. But spirituality is more than that….it is becoming so engrossed in God’s Word and His plan and acting on that, that our nature takes on His nature and that we spread His love, His power, and His mercy and grace around so that others are touched by those very same things that He wants so much for us to have.
True religion undefiled is this…..helping the poor, the sick, the orphans, and the widows, visiting those in prison…etc. I remember reading that somewhere in the Bible.
I can take hold of things I have read sometimes but yet am not well versed enough in the Word to remember scripture passages…..a practice I need to develop.
Spirituality today seems to be taking on a higher development of “self” to attain oneness with God. But even Satan believed in God.
Only through the blood bought sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the true spirit revealed as in the Holy Spirit which is part of the triune nature of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
So we must not be deceived and test the spirits to see if they are of God. For by their fruits you shall know them.
Okay…..these are my thoughts.
I think spirituality means (having to do with the spiritual things)..But what spirit?? Just because someone is spiritual and have involved themselves with Spiritual things doesnt mean it’s the Holy Spirit..They may be seeking enlightenment but why?? Fame,power..?? Maybe..But I believe people are hungry for anything to give them hope (real hope) in something..
I believe spirituality, at it’s most basic, has more to do with being open and aware that there is more going on than just what is seen with the eye, knowing there’s a world beyond the physical. I do believe people can have that awareness without knowing Christ, in fact I think more unbelievers do than Christians! But I look at it as a sign of hope, if someone says they’re spiritual, it can be a wonderful foundation to start introducing them to the Creator of all things seen and unseen.
The word “spirituality” is used often and defined seldom. When that happens, a word begins to lose its meaning. The question of whether or not a non-Christian can be spiritual depends on the definition. If spirituality is defined as having a focus on spiritual things, then a non-Christian can be non-spiritual, and someone like the Dali Lama would definitely qualify. However, as Christians I think we have to look at spirituality in Christian terms. That means looking at what spiritual realities are the focus. I don’t think that a person who is spiritually focused on the lies of a false religion can be considered truly spiritual from a Christian point of view.
However, even focusing on the Bible or Jesus does not necessarily make a person spiritual. We can analyze the Bible from a purely intellectual perspective and completely miss the point, as a number of well-known theologians from history have done. Real spirituality is viewing things from a spiritual point of view, so that we see no one, especially Jesus, according to the flesh. (See 2 Corinthians 5:16)
The term “spirituality” often seems to be used by people looking to satisfy, in their spirits, the longing for God, but they make a distinction between this quest and organized religion (perhaps because of perceived negative connotations of the latter). I used to feel the same, until I entered into a relationship with Jesus that changed my life. If I knew then what I know now, I would have let go sooner. It’s never too late, but it’s also never too early. Here’s the blog of one fortunate young girl who first discovered this at the age of four: http://artakiane.com/akiane_life.htm
The term “spirituality” often seems to be used by people looking to satisfy, in their spirits, the longing for God, but they make a distinction between this quest and organized religion (perhaps because of perceived negative connotations of the latter). I used to feel the same, until I entered into a relationship with Jesus that changed my life. If I knew then what I know now, I would have let go sooner. It’s never too late, but it’s also never too early. Here’s the website of one fortunate young girl who first discovered this at the age of four: http://artakiane.com/akiane_life.htm
Could it be our life lived in connection with and for Our creator,thru Jesus Christ..our relationship with him and how that flows out of us to others???Of course the spiritualists will say it is in us and thru meditation…etc…How would you explain spirituality to the world who has such a warped view of that???Curious and I will be watching for your blog on this..Sincerely Esther
Although I feel like I’m walking into a trap :), here are some of my thoughts.
I do think we have the ability to become spiritual on our own because part of us is spirit. However, I also think there are very different types of spirituality depending on what spirit you are concerned with. There is what you could call other-worldly or supernatural spirituality (which as Christians we see as the demonic) as evidenced by psychics and such, soulish spirituality and, of course, Godly Spirituality. So the people you mentioned could all be described as spiritual.
Honestly, there are two images that appear to me when you call someone spiritual or a spiritualist. The first is a lady dressed all gauzy reading palms and gazing into a crystal ball, and the second is someone on their knees at the altar. I think most of us would think of these two aspects of spirituality first and foremost. If I were to ask a random person(as you have) if they thought Wayne Dyer was spiritual, they would probably say no. Oddly enough, when I was thinking about the people you listed, the word Guru came to mind, and I realized that they are each a sort of guru teaching their own brand of spirituality.
So is “spiritual” one of those words that have been stolen from Christianity or is it a word that simply applies to everyone? I don’t know.
This is just a condensed version of my last 2 hours of thinking, so I’m sorry if it rambles a little. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
I think spirituality covers the whole subject of spiritual things including the things of God and the things of the devil. Everyone is spiritual because we were created spiritual beings. Our choices put us in darkness or light.
Mari of Colorado
Corrected Version: Answer soon to follow!
The answer to this question is loaded and should be prayerfully considered. I will pray on this to see how my heavenly father wants me to answer this….
Shirley C. from Massachusetts, USA
Its very interesting your question John Paul. I’ve somewhat been contemplating this for quite a while and I suppose it depends whether you mean spiritual or Spiritual. spiritual (small s)pertains to the spirit realm which is not of God ie. demonic, and Spiritual (Big S) pertains to that which is the realm of the Holy Spirit. Hence, a spiritual person is one who relates to “spirits” not of God, whereas “Spiritual” (Pneuma) relates to those who are indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
So in a biblical and True sense only those who are born again or re procreated by the seed of God (as you would say) are truly Spiritual. The Spirit in us produces the resurrection life of Christ in us, and He produces the fruit of His character in us too.
I hope that helps for starters!
Blessings!
Gordon from UK
Spirituality – Being; at our core we are spirit by this everything about us is within the realm of spirituality, our very existence is of concern with things of the Spirit. Our lack of awareness to the things of the Spirit is a direct result of the distance man has place between God and himself. Moses you go talk with God and we’ll do what you say he said; Religion (paraphrase of Exodus 20:19).
Spirituality = life; personal relationship with God two way conversations with Yahweh walks with Him in the cool of the day hallelujah!
Do we have the ability to become spiritual on our own? We already are - we were created spiritual.
What are the qualities of a spiritual person? One who believes, has faith and is in relationship with God though the finish work of Christ.
Be blessed
I would have to agree with Barbra from Switzerland. I think the term is highly overrated in today’s culture. I think the cause of this is the spiritual vaccum within each one of us. Pyhics and mediums call what they do “spiritual,” because they are dealing with the spiritual, just the wrong kind. I will be interested to hear what you have to say John Paul.
What is Spirituality, wow, what a question. Just the word makes me feel out of myself. And maybe that’s what it is. I think when I am spiritual is when I am literally not being my natural self. Something changes within and I begin to see, feel(emotionally,) and think differently towards people, personal situations, in a new kind of light. God’s light, that ever constant ray shinning upon me.
Spirituality is the orientation of our bodies!!!
Joshua Aaron
The qualities of our spirituality is manifested in the heavenlies as our bodies our orientated in our worship toward God, (Jesus Christ) only!!!
Ex: The Eagle Nebula
Joshua Aaron Villmow
(Snow-Flakes)
Hmmmm, the one thing I’ve noticed is that many people make reference to “spirituality” concerning people who ’sound very wise, but are speaking very bazaar stuff’. Perhaps our culture has switched out the term “religeous” for “spiritual” as it appears to have more gentleness & inclusion of all beliefs. Jesus seems to me to be THE model of true spirituality. He was abiding in His Father, obeyed only the voice of His Father, moved only when told to by His Father…that’s the spiritual level I’m striving for. I don’t think that description can be attained on our own. We can be the willing one,the determined one, the “I’m getting there no matter what” one,but He is the one who takes us there. Of course, now I must do a word study on the subject & I may come back with a totally different answer after doing so. Bless you!!
This idea of there being something that transcends the reality of what we can know or touch that is somehow other or, indeed in many cases, higher than our physical existence. People have tried to reach out and attain this “otherworldly consciousness” or “unbound inner peace” through a variety of methods over the years. Trying to control or align themselves with an
overarching spiritual reality. They acknowledge that there is a world that is distinctly separate from our own sensual, earthbound perception yet makes contact or pervades the physical reality in some shape or form. That this Spirituality is something other and higher than themselves or something long since buried within themselves than needs to be sifted or returned to. They live a life of trying to discover what the greater reality is, how they can channel it or use it to affect their physical bound experiences. The list of people you mentioned above indeed seek or acknowledge the reality of a greater or “spiritual” experience. Whether it be the transcendent part within each of us and it’s ability to change our reality. That of course implies that a part of us is instinctively divine, or greater than the physical world in which we find ourselves, and that humanity has the ability to redeem and transcend itself on it’s own. (Which in my understanding and experience is bunk)
Are they seeking out a reality? I believe so but only Spirit can affect Spiritual reality and humanity is not composed of Spirit inherently but consciousness(soul) and a physical container to house it in. The part that is missing is a spiritual part, a transcendent part, one from a source not bound by humanity’s shortcomings. A spiritual source which affects the merely physical and conscious, something from a higher realm or creative source. Sound vaguely reminiscent of the path of the “spiritual” people of our day? Only difference is the need for something higher to help us rise above the peak of humanity’s ability on his own.
So then the next question one would ask is what is the source of this transcendence, this realm so much higher than our own? Of these powers which are not of the world but are distinctly greater yet divinely intertwined in a merely physical and conscious existence? Not of human origin as the physical cannot create the divine order and things of the Spirit. Must be a really Creative and Powerful source, that’s for sure. One who knows the cravings of the merely physical and conscious, otherwise why would we seek it?
Dare I say downright Godly.
I say we consider the source–(MK 11:30)
Are these people Spiritual?–No.
Can they become spiritual of their own accord–No.
Do they seek something of a transcendent and redemptive nature–Yes.
Can they find something of a Spiritual nature and become invested with something of a spiritual or divinely nature?–Yes.
Something that can help them rise above their physical and world-based realities and see power released that will not only affect their lives but all of the world around them.?–Yes.
Now what is it? What’s the true source, the unfiltered source, the un-earthbound source? (Well now that’s not the question posed here now is it?)
(John Paul, I thank God you paid the price, I am devoted to above the line thinking. Can’t wait to hear your mind on this. I’m listening. I pray blessings on you and yours in the name above all names.)
In short a spiritual person is one who has a personal relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ, Yashewah….the Son of the Living God.
When I hear the term ’spirituality’ or someone is “spiritual” I cringe. I came to the Lord because I was helping a friend leave a cult she called “Spirituality” (this was before the term “New Age” was coined). The things I saw convinced me she was listening to and being guided by a spirit - but it wasn’t the Holy Spirit. So from my experience when the world uses the term “spiritual” I don’t get a warm and fuzzy feeling. But if I take this term and apply it to someone who knows Jesus I think of someone who is guided and led by the Holy Spirit, who seeks God in every aspect of life. If I were to look for an example I would think of David as being a spiritual man of God.
When the teacher asks a question is it wise for the student to answer right away or wait for the teacher to explain? hmm…
I think the word spiritual is in reference to your spirit man. There is bad spiritual and good, just as there are evil spiritual beings (ie the enemy) and there are good spiritual biengs (ie God, Jesus, Michael, Gabriel, etc.) Is Oprah spiritual? Is her spirit man activily being used, searching, participating… if so then she is probably spiritual. The question is wether or not her spirit is listening to the right one.
Okay there was my answer… now I am ready for the teacher to explain!
In my humble opinion…
To be truly spiritual requires the sperma of God. Without God’s seed the best that Anthony, Wayne or Oprah can hope to attain is an empowered soul - nourished from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
So, no, I don’t believe that a person can become truly spiritual on their own. A truly spiritual person is someone who is infused with the life of God and they live in communion with the Spirit of God. They eat from the Tree of Life. Such a person would exhibit the attributes and characteristics of their Father… love, holiness, humility, power, etc…
Z
>In today’s culture there is a crescendo in the use of the term “spirituality.” So what is spirituality? Is the Dali Lama, Marianne Williamson, Anthony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, or even Oprah spiritual?Do we have the ability to become spiritual on our own?What are the qualities of a spiritual person?<
I believe that all humans are “spiritual,” in the sense that God has created within us the ability to respond to his Spirit (true spirituality!) and worship him in spirit and truth.
The qualities that facilitate that are the ability to be quiet, to question, to rest, to wait for an answer, to feel the full range of human emotion, to be willing to live in messy relationships with others, and to be willing to learn to be OK with not being in control of your life, as long as God is.
So true spirituality is living connected to the living God through his son. Why do some people get caught in the trap of pop culture spirituality? I don’t know. But I think it has something to do with not reaching the end of themselves.
you once said yourself that we are spiritual beings having a human experience or something like that! so often we see it the other way around.
Living and moving in Him is spirituality and therefore how things really are.We are made in the image of the triune God, Father Son and Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit man of the Trinity.So I guess everyone is spiritual but not everyone is born of the Spirit.
so if you’re born again of the Spirit you will begin to see hear and feel things from the Father’s perspective. it’s a journey and the only real quality of true spirituality must be love because from God’s love comes everything else. People may think that spiritual gifts are the qualities of spirituality or authority or personal sacrifice or servanthood or good works but if these are not anchored in love then they only look good from the outside.I think too that our Daddy is the only one who can see us completely in the Spirit which is good news as we are covered by His love.Just can’t get away from it can we?
This first part of my comment was cut off:
In today’s culture there is a crescendo in the use of the term “spirituality.” So what is spirituality?
Spirituality has become a pop culture term for a deep, thoughtful person who has discovered something that empowers them and gives them a sense of peace and purpose in life, preferably without any western Christian or Jewish influence; though Kabbalah is OK cuz Madonna does it.
Is the Dali Lama, Marianne Williamson, Anthony Robins, Wayne Dyer, or even Oprah spiritual?
In pop culture terms, absolutely.
Do we have the ability to become spiritual on our own?
If we are talking about “pop culture spirituality,” Yes. In fact, that is part of its inherent conceit: the self-propelled, self-aware, self-enabled, self-driven and self-obsessed nirvana of attaining all that God promises without having to die to oneself, believe in Jesus, or submit to traditional or religious authority. It’s a personal journey, man. Don’t bring me down with the details. Besides, I look great, I’m making money, I have no guilt whatsoever. What’s not to like?
Spirituality seems so over used anymore that it makes me want to scream. The church uses it and so does the world and right now we are both looking an awful lot alike. Right now the most “spiritual” thing that could happen to me is that I’d finally figure out who God really created me to be and that He really does love me like the Bible says. Most days though, I feel about as spiritual as a doorknob.
Spirituality maybe an original state from which we began. So many people claim to be spiritual but they connect themselves to spiritual darkness I believe unknowingly because they open up their selves by surrendering their mind,will,and emotions and even their bodies unto “leaders” or idols. I believe anyone can be “spiritual” by realizing and connecting to the realm in which we don’t see in the natural. There are two kingdoms in which we can connect to,one whose god has many names also and he does have power.He also is a liar and a deceiver and can promise you no good end in truth.
The other kingdom in which you can connect with by “spirituality” is a God whose power has no end. He has many names and every name he has is for your good!! He is the everlasting God in Him is all truth and a promise
of everlasting life.
So I would think spirituality is opening ourselves up to a state that our spirits are free to connect to a realm
not seen with our eyes and enter a realm in which God and other beings exist (angels and demons)
This was fun being able to share my thought but I look forward to hear what you have to say on the subject. I just started reading your coffee talk and web tv this week. This is great. Thanks for all you do for the kingdom!!!
Spirituality is: while touring the prison and hearing that a Native American was able to put together the knowledge and training to organize a ’sweat lodge’ for the purification of the natural, to recieve the supernatural.
Spirituality is: looking into the eyes of a two year old and seeing her laugh with out saying a word.
Spirituality is: your quiet safe place.
As I have pondered this question throughout the day what I have come to think is that spirituality is defined by ones ability to encounter life with a Kingdom perspective. Whatever comes our way if our focus can be to look at the situation through the lens of the Kingdom then we are being spiritual, i.e. God minded.
Spirituality is living a life that is full of the Spirit of the LORD. It is to be contrasted with a carnal life which is at war with God.
The spiritual life bears the fruit of the Spirit(love, joy, peace, patience,etc), and is marked by the gifts of the Spirit. (prophesy, miracles, healing, tongues, etc.)
We cannot be spiritual on our own. We must be born again by the Spirit of God.
Finally, the spiritual person loves Jesus so much that he disciplines himself (or herself) through various Spiritual activities (prayer, fasting, worship, joy, confession, etc.) in order to encounter Him sooner rather than later.
The qualities of a spiritual person: teachable, humble, open to correction, accurate assessment of himself, balanced, obedient, and the fruit of the Spirit should be evident in his life because we do not have the ability to become spiritual on our own. He should also have a hearing relationship with the Lord.
“Spirituality” is defined variously by Christians and non-Christians. Even believers are divided concerning its meaning. If spirituality refers to willfully interacting with the spirit world, then anyone who does so might be considered a ‘spiritual person’ including pagans, witches and New Agers, along with a smattering of Christians. Yet, those who do not follow Christ can only interact with the dark or satan side of the spirit realm.
To many born-again Christians the term “spiritual” has come to mean little more than devout — a person who regularly attends church, reads their Bible and prays. Yet, some believers recognize that as Followers of Christ they are denizens of both the physical world and the spirit realm. And they know they have a responsibility to act and interact within realms.
What is “spirituality?” I would have to say for me it is knowing (truly understanding) this earth is my temporary residence and my heavenly Father my Creator is so looking forward to being with me and I Him, and also knowing that He wants to communicate with me while I am here on earth.
When I first came to the blogging site on the 8th of January I started to read from the first day. On January 1, 2008 your opening words John Paul: “What a beautiful day. I’m sitting here in my home office, in New Hampshire, watching it snow. We have close to three feet on the ground now, with another foot up in the clouds waiting to descend on our heavily forested hillsides. It is days like this that give one time to pause, think about today, ruminate on yesterday and re-envision ourselves for tomorrow.”
I could see it, the snow, the clouds, the heavily forested hillsides. I was brought back to when I was a child in Sutton, N.H. and it was wonderful. I stayed there for a while, seeing my brothers and sisters skating with me on the ice. The summers fishing, long walks in the woods, climbing the hills looking for Indians. Life was so simple, so adventuress back then as a child. I knew that I was taken care of by my parents. I was safe. That is how I feel now, with my heavenly Father, with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit. Why God loves me I will never truly understand until I am face to face. But I know He does and that too is “spirituality” JOY.
Mary, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
I think we must have the ability to grow spiritually on our own due to both godly and ungodly examples. Of course, it is a gift given by God to all people to seek and know Him, however, it be misled and misunderstood and misused. Perhaps a person can be called spiritual when one realizes they are not just body and mind.
There is a deep hunger in people who are seeking after something to fill the emptiness in their lives. They realize that material things do not satisfy. The quest is for answers to sooth their condition. Always seeking answers, yet never satisfied. As Christians we know our life is in Christ. We can choose to be transformed into His image by abiding in Him. Our attempts to be spiritual end up in emptiness. Look at that beautiful bride, her lamp is full of oil. She longs to see her lover. Her humility and love brings glory to the King.
Being ourseleves. We are made in God’s image. God is spirit. So to be spiritual is first and foremost to be connected with God(the new birth) and allow His nature(our new nature) to shine out of our lives. Love, Joy, peace….. and the other fruit of our regenerated spirits. I believe these fruit(spirituality) grow and develop through time spent with our creator both in his book(the bible) and through fellowship with Him and other spiritual regenerated people.
I think the general qualities of a spiritual person are someone who intentionally endeavors to exercise their spirit on a regular basis. If a person makes a conscious effort to seek spiritual truth, then I believe the person is becoming more spiritual, either holy or unholy. However, scripture is clear that God is the motivator that calls us on that quest, and there are many external influences that try to keep us from His will for our true and holy spiritual development.
My idea of Spirituality is listening and hearing what the Spirit of God is telling me to do and obeying. Praying in the Spirit and singing spiritual songs to the Lord, not just once a day but making it a all day thing,constantly in pray and just talking to the Lord.
Lynne from Elk Grove, California
Oh I have been thinking about this and I don’t think I am any clearer. “Spirituality” is so misused that it can be a problem when talking to people about Christ. What people understand by spirituality is so far from the truth that it can take them a while to realise that you are not talking about the same thing. I tend to avoid it (is that bad?).
Qualities of a spiritual person or qualities of a spirit filled person? Obedience and love - the rest comes from there. I think. Still mulling it over.
hi john paul
the quality of a spiritual person a self controlled person. one that is walking in the strenght and counsel of the holy spirit. 24 hours a day knowing he resides in us and so we are always in his presence and choosing God’s will over our own will. may God’s blessing continue to enrich your life.love in Christ Jesus
Just some thoughts, a spiritual person is someone who lives his life by the mind of Christ and doesn’t rely on the natural mind because he sees the glory of the unseen heavenly things & of the Lord. When all others walk the broad way to destruction, he remains on the narrow & difficult path of life because of his desire to please God’s heart & reliance & esteem of the kingdom domain & its principles of life. He glories in persecutions. He is also entrusted with the powers of the age to come. He has the potential in his walk of unity with the Lord to cooperate until the work of God on his life is completed and therefore he attains the highest callings of God. This person is a bride of the King, worthy to reign with Him.
What a great opportunity to ponder what we really understand when we use the word spirituality. Thank you.
Wouldn’t a spiritual person first have to believe that there is more going on than what they can see with their natural eyes. I have actually heard people say that if they can’t see it, it doesn’t exist.
Wouldn’t a spiritual person be one who, with one of their senses, makes contact with their spiritual surroundings and realizes what they are making contact with. Or maybe not realize at first it is the spiritual dimension.
Wouldn’t understanding of which spiritual kingdom they are connecting with, light or darkness, come from experience of connecting with those kingdoms and the truth of God’s Kingdom shining brighter than the counterfeit of satan’s kingdom.
Wouldn’t making contact with the spiritual make a person even more hungry to know and understand that realm since God placed that desire in us in order to seek Him and to know Him.
Wouldn’t that hunger be an invitation to learn that God could start releasing experiences and revelation into. Wouldn’t a person somewhere along this path become a spiritual person.
I write these in question form because I am pondering them. Looking forward to what you have to share.
being vvery spiritually sensitive doesnt always mean tht we are on the right direction coz bible clearly states tht jesus is the only way. in my recent trip to goa (india), i found people who are very very spiritually sensitive .some were leaving a very good life, in a sense helping the poor, being nice and sweet people around, being morally upright..etc..
hmmm, some have great qualitties , but i feel sorry for them coz “their qualities”:( wont give them salvation. its a git and cant be earned by works.. i love the term “”"in a relationship with jesus”"” compared to being spiritual..
yesterday , i watched the movie “”the next “” by nicholas cage, i was kinda wishing tht the prophetical gift in the body was soo sharp, simlar to the way tht guy operated in the movie.. william branham was somewhat pretty accurate.. i loved his ministry. your ministry has blessed me too..
I dont really probably know. However according to my understanding in its most simplest form being spiritual is simply being led by the Spirit.However to live this demands one be a follower.this requires embracing the cross and letting go of covienience worldly comfort and the like. As well a depth of relationship that allows the Spirit of God to unravel your personal fleshly family mindsets that are deeply engrained distorting perception.I believe because of the tower of babel (communication Breakdown)this is a unique process that no one can do for you except the Holy Spirit.therefore those who are spiritual must overcome by intense personal persuit.
Glad you asked!!! I have really been dealing with this issue lately in my mind and heart. I watch Oprah and there is no denying that she is a spiritual woman. She likes to talk about spiritual things and I think that she represents what many Americans think in regards to spirituality. Here is my problem: It rains on the just and the unjust alike. The world has a form of godliness but it denies any power in Christ. I know that Jesus is the only way to the Father and that the Blood is more awesome than I can even fathom. But I have a problem with the world benefiting from spiritual truths without Jesus getting the glory. I don’t understand all this because I know that God is his indescribable love is drawing people to Himself. I have had to confess my confusion and frustration regarding the seeming effectiveness of these false teaching. Again, I know they are at the very least misleading because they do not point to Christ, but there is/are truth to what is out there. For this reason, the Bride must stand up and be all that He has called her to. I can say that, but at the same time, I have not personally stood up. I struggle with fleshly issue and these people without Christ seem to have more power than I do. Thankfully, I am an overcomer in Him!! I look forward to this inward reality becoming evident on the outside.
I attend Bridge Christian formerly Cahaba. The French’s are our pastors.
The definition for spirituality according to websters is this:
1. something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric as such. 2. sensitivity or attachment to religious values.
I personally am anti-religion. I grew up in a very strict & religious church. God was gracious enough to lead us to Advocate/Cahaba and we have been there for almost 8 years now. I believe that spirituality in the way the world uses that term today is about a show or about the spirit of religion. I don’t like to use worldly terms. I believe that one can only find the true meaning of spirituality through God and Christ Jesus. With true spirituality come true communion and communication with God and I find it so hard to believe that HE condones the worldy use of the term spiritual. I just believe in God and above all things, He will teach the rest via, His word, the voice of His prophets and leaders, and sometimes via dreams - there are so many forms of communication. Every moment of the day is a chance to communicate and hear what God has to tell us - even if it’s “I love you so much” - we can only hear if we listen to Him and tune out the world.
To me a spiritual person is a person who is lead by the Holy Spirit into the things of the spirit. He(Holy Spirit)is the one who enables us to see, hear, touch, etc. true spiritual things. We enter those things as Abraham did, as Jesus did. By faith, and doing the will of Him who sends us.
Spirituality is praying for resurrection while taking out the garbage and contending in an attitude of hope and trust in God while shoveling snow in Chicago.
Comment on my comment: Please note, JPJ, that I defined spirituality in less than three sentences and as soon as I learn to text message I’ll be shorter.
Spituality is having a progressively deeper understanding of the spiritual realm or the unseen. For a Christian, tis means walking in more and more understanding of the Kingdom of God and translating that experience into the natural realm.
I agree that spirituality is a wide used term. I believe that spirituality should be based on God who is a spirit vs. just any spirit that is in the world.
Spirituality - the reality that there is a spiritual part of someone - “spirit-reality”.
My spirituality is a reality because I am a spirit being, though I am in a body. From there I could go on to talk about whether my spirituality is evident in the way I live my life.
Because I am a spirit being that is loved and guided by and with the Holy Spirit as my Lord, He gives me awareness of my “spirit-reality” through Christ. For example I can discern whether I am growing in my spirit, and in tune to the Lord Jesus through the discernment of my spirit being, and He speaks to me in the Word, and my spirit, the real me, understands. Many people are not aware of their spirituality (spirit-reality). When our earthly bodies die, we are still spirit beings that will live on, whether in heaven with the Lord because we have been redeemed by Jesus and adopted into His great family, or whether one will spend an eternity without Him. So just because I am aware of my spirit as a reality, doesn’t mean I am any more of a “spiritual” person than any one else. We are ALL “spiritual” beings, that is a reality. I believe it is only Only through Jesus, the Word of God, one understand Truth and have our spirit developed into a mature spirit. Without the Truth, we are deceived into thinking we can be spiritually mature by our own efforts. Many people who are considered spiritual in a sense that they are considered more mature or more aware of their spirituality than others, are deceived into thinking THEY control their spirit being. The deceiver, Satan, The Father of Lies is the one who wants to deceive us into thinking we can live without God. Satan comes to steal, steal and destroy us spirit, soul and body.
We are all spiritual as a reality.
I think the term spirituality is used to refer to ones attempts to reach the intangible and immaterial. To open oneself to the unseen influence of another being. As christians we connect and are changed when we encounter with the Triune God of the bible. For those of us not in relationship with the creator we connect at best with the created beings both Spiritual and in some cases physical.
I think spirituality is the ability to use a our mind, will, and emotions together with our wisdom, communion, and conscience to see beyond our present physical circumstances. I contrast this word with the term “Godly”. I don’t think a spiritual person is necessarily a Godly person, whereby our spirits are triune in nature, and you can’t have communion with the Spirit if your spirit is not aligned with the Holy Spirit.
I was t.v. channel surfing and heard Deepak Chopra say something I really liked: “we are all hypnotized by the material realm”.. when I used the quote in talking to someone I said, “a seeker of truth” said, and then used the quote. I was a New Age adherent and lived in a Hindu ashram and a Zen Buddhist center many, many years ago before becoming a Christian, and I know many people who consider themselves spiritual are seekers of the truth. I love that you reach out to New Age adherents at their gatherings, etc. I would love to do that some day!
I may not hit the nail on the head, but… It’s a void in us, that can only be filled by something outside of us. It’s non material as we know it or understand it. It’s something beyond us that has an attraction “kraft” (power or strength in Swedish). A sense of an eternal life and power. It’s part of who we are and as we are social creatures, a personal spiritual relationship would form the strongest bond in the form of a friendship.
Doug a Connecticut Yankee living in Sweden.
P.S. I really miss your fireside chat podcasts they are by far my favorites!
Spirituality maybe an original state from which we began. So many people claim to be spiritual but they connect themselves to spiritual darkness I believe unknowingly because they open up their selves by surrendering their mind,will,and emotions and even their bodies unto “leaders” or idols. I believe anyone can be “spiritual” by realizing and connecting to the realm in which we don’t see in the natural. There are two kingdoms in which we can connect to,one whose god has many names also and he does have power.He also is a liar and a deceiver and can promise you no good end in truth.
The other kingdom in which you can connect with by “spirituality” is a God whose power has no end. He has many names and every name he has is for your good!! He is the everlasting God in Him is all truth and a promise
of everlasting life.
So I would think spirituality is opening ourselves up to a state that our spirits are free to connect to a realm
not seen with our eyes and enter a realm in which God and other beings exist (angels and demons)
This was fun being able to share my thought but I look forward to hear what you have to say on the subject. I just started reading your coffee talk and web tv this week. This is great. Thanks for all you do for the kingdom!!
I think we need the Holy Spirit to help us be spiritual even though we are spiritual beings. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we can enter into dark spiritual places. He is our tour guide for the unseen spiritual realm.
Qualities of a spiritual person are: loving, compassionate, empathectic, discerning, truthful, wise, understanding, prayerful, seeks God first in all things…
Thank you for the new Blog. It is a blessing.
Spirituality is practing what you believe. In this world, it can mean so many different things. This is a difficult question to answer.
please let me know your opinion
Thank you John Paul for not printing my response on the 16th.
After asking my 34yr. old daughter to read what I had sent you and than having to explain to her what I meant by it. She said Mom “why didn’t you send John Paul what you just told me about the flesh and the spirit instead of what you wrote, you needed to direct that to the Jan. 1, blog.” (kids, they cut to the chase).
Blessing,
Mary
Hi John Paul,
Well I’ll say what I have been taught and what I think.
I have been taught that Man is a tri-part being (Man is a Spirit possess a Soul and lives in a Body) and therefore does have a spirit as this was the ‘Image’ that God was talking about in Genesis 1:26,27. And Jesus did say that “God is a Spirit..” in John 4:24.
[But the Jury for me is still out on this coz It does say 'In His IMAGE and LIKENESS' (emphasis mine) and in other bible passages it is recoreded that they saw the 'Son of Man' and others 'God appeared to them' so He must have some likeness to the Human Body Right? But what kind of Human body? Male of Female? or both? What about the Soul? Not just a blob floating around right?]
when we come to Christ we are ‘New Creatures…’ 2 Cor 5:17 then that is the only time we can be able to worship God, the True God in ‘Spirit and Truth’ before we were dead to all spiritual stimuli [Now this is what I have been taught]
This is what I think
I do beleive what I have been taught is true but still have many questions as to how everything works.
Is man Spiritual?
I think that man realises that there is more to him but to me it seems he stops mainly at the soul and ascends more in the soul (mind will emotions) region than he can in the spiritual region.
Saying that though what about witches (as I am from Africa - this is something we grew up hearing that they could travel in the spirit etc) Ok they have allot of soul power if you want to call it that but they seem to posses strange evil powers so for me then that would make them spiritual but to the devil and not toward God.
Some of the people you mentioned in the Blog I guess then could be spiritual but not toward God but the god of this world.
Can Man attain Spirituality?
May be but not true spirituality. Some other form of it. I think true spirituality is being aware and knowing the God who created us and acknowledging Him. [And living like He does exist and worshipping Him]
But saying this, is this all that is needed to be spiritual? I mean the Bible lets us know this ‘You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.’ James 2:19 so what more do we need to do then so that we can be and do more? Relationship with God?
The qualities of a Spiritual person
Well they would act differently just generally looking at things considered spiritual around me - They would dress differently, have prayer beads, always muttering something under their breath, people pay their respects in many ways - kissing hugging etc [I live in London, England - a mish mash of many religions, cultures and races]
I think being a christian the one outstanding quality would have to be Humility then Love to all human kind, kindness, gentleness in speech and character, understanding, knowledgable but willing to learn too. [But one could also argue that you could find this in those who are non Christians]
But how is it then that we ‘feel’ more alive when we come to Christ than before?
There is still more I didn’t say and I have alot unanswered as you can tell but still willing to learn as much as I can about this and much much more.
I await to hear what you think
Sam W.
I think for most the world, “spirituality” is someone who is mystical, and into hearing from the “vibration” of natural things. A person who communicates with the paranormal is often considered “Spiritual”. A person like this displays a certain amount of peace or harmony with all living things.
For myself, I believe someone is Spiritual when you can feel the presence of God in their lives. I have found that the only true peace and purity come from Jesus. No other method I have found can remove the stain of dirt upon our souls.
It is a sad fact that “Spirituality” is not seen more in our churches. It really shakes things up when God shows up. God is Spirit and when He starts doing something, spiritual things happen and it can freak people out.
God bless
Are those people you mentioned spiritual? No. Infact they operate from the soulish realm.
I don’t believe that we have the ability to become spiritual by our own efforts, that would be works. However, by the Grace of God, if we are born of the spirit, He enables us by His mercy and grace to walk in the Spirit.
Jesus our Lord told the woman at the well, that we must worship God in spirit and in truth.
Paul tells us, that the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death.
We are commanded to walk in the Spirit, the fruit of the spirit is; love joy peace…to put off the old man, put on the new, put on Christ.
The qualities, virtue, of a spiritual person is exibiting the life of Christ.
Gal 2:20
Iam crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not i but Christ liveth in me…..
I am still learning and my prayer is that the Lord continue to work in my life both to will and to do of His good pleasure…I want to know HIM….
I agree with Tom — spirituality is a neutral word (meaning neither good nor bad); just as different people have different personalities, they also have different spiritualities, so to speak, though I’ve never actually heard the word used in that way. Sprituality is the faculty of a person to connect with the spirit-realm, much as Kevin was saying.
Now, many people today want to use the word “spiritual” to describe themselves, making themselves look good without having to ascribe to any doctrine or discipline, so this muddies the waters when we try to communicate with such people. “Oh, I’m spiritual” can mean just about anything these days. To people in the world it often seems to have to do with acts of kindness to others - and to self (a la Oprah’s “Remembering Your Spirit” segments she used to have). But among charismatic Christians it means that we are wanting to have a true spirit-connection with God free from unnecessary ritualistic trappings, just based upon His grace and love. So again we run into problems communicating….
The important thing, as Laetitia was saying, is to have our “spirituality” plugged in to the right source……. God has set before us life and death, and daily we choose……
spirituality to me, is the intimate conversations of one spirit to the creator. Anything other than that, to me is simply soul.
Unredeemed and uncontrolled) soul power (in my perspective) is the religion of man, inspired by any source.
the flesh is merely the avenue of which the manifestation of the inner life occurs..*(i must say though that when I goto a charismatic church I notice that people tend during worship to judge a persons spirit condition on their amount of movement, audible volume, or expressive gestures. While I beleive these are all expressive and there is nothing wrong with them, I also know that there are those who sit in total peace in God, inside roaring and shouting or meditating on Gods wonder.. and those people are just as engaged if not more many times. Then when you goto fundamental or conservative churches, they beleive the opposite..the more quiet, self controlled and refined a person, the more spiritual) but I think if we measured by the intimacy a person has with God, that both sectors and extremes would be shocked to see who was the really spiritual amongst them..
thats my thoughts..
Being spiritual, hmmmm. I believe people coin that term, or that is the label stuck to someone whom walks to a different beat and those observing can’t explain them so thus are labeled spiritual. Whether that beat is soulish or from our Lord, remains to be seen and discerned from the observer. Some who may think they are walking in the spirit, may in fact be walking with the soul. Observe; are the fruits of the spirit present?
I look forward with great anticipation to your perspective on this topic: many peers in my profession are engaged in “spiritual” pursuits, mostly outside of God & Christ, and I find it difficult to opine Truth, even though I KNOW THAT I KNOW the difference. Spirituality is being “of the spirit”…the question that must be begged is: Of what spirit are you? But that is when most of these peers point out that “just because the Bible says so, doesn’t MAKE it so.” Well…yes…it does. But they can’t see that yet. Anyway, thanks for broaching the tough topics.
I think spirituality is a gift that God gives everyone. Without God in our lives, people would be oblivious to the spiritual realm