Spiritual/Spirituality

<<concerned with spiritual matters>>

Spirituality recognises there is someone beyond the physical world we need to connect with (Rom 1:19). Different religions express their spirituality in various ways as they attempt to relate to God.

Christian spirituality centres on Jesus Christ as He is the ‘one true’ mediator between God and humanity so our approach must always be via Him (1Tim 2:5). From the foundation of intimate fellowship with His Father, Christ served humanity (Mt 20:28; Lk 6:12; Jn 5:19; Act 10:38). As His obedient followers, we are to become balanced, mature believers

Is Christ the true foundation of my spirituality?

through a deepening relationship with Him, growing in conformity to the image of Christ, and ministering in His name to people as “He is formed in us” (Jn 15:4,5; Rom 8:29; Gal 4:19). As we walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit, as “slaves of righteousness”, our minds and bodies become useable instruments in His hands (Rom 6:12-14,17-19, 12:2).

Religion focuses on rules and rituals but true spirituality is about relationship with the source of life; it begins with our conversion, when we admit we are helpless to help ourselves, being in our bondage to sin and at enmity with God (Jn 3:3-8, 5:39,40; Act 2:38,39; Rom 5:6-11). From that essential starting point of connection, and with our deliberate cooperation, there is an ongoing work of God’s grace in our lives leading to wholeness, the restoration to what we were created to be. As sin has infiltrated our entire being, this process of sanctification deals with each area of life through exchanging the old life for the new life, being “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24). While we are to be concerned about others our main responsibility is ourselves, and our walk with God outworked through obedience with the fruit of the Holy Spirit being evident through our life (Mt 3:3-7; Lk 6:46; Jn 14:15; Rom 12:1,2; Gal 5:22,23).

Spiritual disciplines are practices designed to promote authentic relationship with our creator.

Such activities as Bible reading, meditation, prayer, fasting, meeting with other believers and serving others must all have Christ as the focal point; they are not ends in themselves but means to assist us in knowing Christ and God (Jn 17:3; 1 Cor 2:2; Phil 3:10). They serve as a means of bringing

What spiritual practices particularly help me to relate to Him?

us into closer conformity to Christ. While there will be continual struggles His grace abounds; we can be ‘more than conquerors’ and know He will complete what He has started in us (Rom 7:15-25, 8:37; Phil 1:6).

True spirituality is intensely practical, it is not what we know, but rather how we live; while being focused heavenward it is outworked on earth through our ongoing choice to surrender to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives and keeping our communication with the Spirit clear. Christianity is to be lived out in the marketplace, touching and ministering to the needs of humanity, not in isolation from the lost who need a valid, tangible demonstration of the love of Christ. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the most spiritual man was not one of the religious leaders who failed to respond to the need, but the one who acted on what he saw, by loving his neighbour as himself (Lk 10:30-37).

Religion often substitutes the heartless observance of rituals for a genuine relationship with God. When someone speaks of spirituality, ask them to explain who Jesus is. This will clarify if they are truly connected to Jesus Christ, the Saviour or consider Him only as a good man or a theoretical concept.