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What Does it Mean to be a Spiritual Person?
- October 21, 2022
- Posted by: Marcel Sanchez
- Category: Developing Spiritual Disciplines
How would define a spiritual person?
Terry was very young when her family started attending her local church. Her family almost never missed a Sunday service unless someone in the family was very sick. Terry’s mom signed her up for the annual Christmas show, summer youth camp, monthly car washes, and many other church activities.
Terry was very active in her church. She could recite all 66 books of the Bible. She won several awards for memorizing scripture, bringing friends to church, and selling chocolate bars for annual fundraisers. Everyone loved Terry. She was outgoing, self-starting, courageous, and fun to be with.
Would you consider Terry a spiritual person?
Many people I talk with struggle to define what it means to be truly spiritual. They usually mention a few basics such as pray before you eat, read your Bible, think positively, think deeply, confess your sins, help the poor or go to church weekly.
What would you add to this list?
These activities may serve to indicate a desire for spiritual engagement—at least that’s how some may define spirituality—but on the other hand, what does it really mean be a spiritual person? Is the answer hyper-mystical and beyond your ability to comprehend? Not at all.
So, what is it? And what should you use to measure the essence—and the evidence—of your spirituality?
Here’s the answer: A growing relationship with Jesus Christ is the essence of true spirituality. It is evidenced by a changed life that increases in holiness and produces lasting spiritual fruit.
A growing relationship with Jesus Christ is the essence of true spirituality. It is evidenced by a changed life that increases in holiness and produces lasting spiritual fruit.
Marcel Sanchez, Imagine Coaching Academy Tweet
Let’s get back to our story.
When Terry entered High School, she lived a double life. Although everyone loved Terry on Sunday, on Monday, Terry was a different person. She was manipulative with her classmates, deceived her teachers often, disrupted activities, and lied frequently to her parents.
Terry started skipping school, experimenting with casual sex, and using people to get her way. But what happened to the Terry everyone loved so much at church? Was Sunday just a good performance? Well, Terry had a distorted understanding and practice of what it meant to be a spiritual person.
Terry knew how to participate in “religious activities” and what to say or what not to say. She knew to bring her Bible to church, be respectful with church leaders, and practice short prayers. Terry practiced “spiritual activities” on the outside, but on the inside, there was nothing.
Spiritual Emptiness
Terry’s actions were the direct result of an empty inner life. The real fruit of Terry’s life was visible Monday through Saturday. Sunday morning was a tradition, a ritual she practiced to make her parents and church friends happy.
In the spiritual world, if you decide to “fake it until you make it,” your life will be shallow, empty, and hopeless.
There was no relationship with Christ, no abiding, no genuine worship, no soul-searching repentance from sin, no remorse over using people, no issues with lying to others…nada.
But one day, it all came crashing down in one unexpected encounter.
Terry’s hypocrisy was confronted by an unlikely hero—a well-educated Sunday School Teacher. This educator confronted Terry directly over her lifestyle and challenged Terry in a way that was both convicting and inspiring. Over time, Terry’s life was truly changed. Her inner life was transformed as God’s Spirit changed her character from darkness to light.
Terry spent more time reflecting and committed her life to following and serving Jesus. She learned how to abide in Christ and develop a growing relationship with the Savior. This transformation is not reserved for Terry alone.
God offers forgiveness from your sins and a new life in Christ when you believe in Jesus and repent from your sins.
As you submit your life to Christ, you can become a spiritual person, not due to your many religious activities, but because of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the constant habit of abundant living. Knowing Jesus is the abundant life (John 10:10). It is life in the Spirit.
What does life in the Spirit look like in your life? What should it look like? Let’s dig deeper in our next blog post to find out.
Summary
What you see on the outside is not necessarily a true reflection of the reality on the inside. We often focus on activities and appearances, but God looks at the heart. Our lives can appear full on the outside while being totally empty on the inside.
Are you certain about your spiritual relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ? Do you really know Jesus as your Savior? Is He the one directing your life or are you the one in charge?
Don’t “fake it until you make it” or try other tactics to impress others about your spirituality. God knows the real you. You can fool others, but you can’t fool God. But remember, Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins.
Don’t fake it any longer. Give your heart to Jesus Christ in prayer right now. Stop procrastinating. God loves you more than you can imagine. But, He will not force you to surrender your life to Him.
Jesus came to give you abundant life today and eternal life in His presence.
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