My thoughts were stimulated by the ideas produced by Hymers Wilson in an article he wrote in the July 2019 edition of Ministry. The article was entitled “What is ‘spiritual’ about being spiritual?”
Wilson indicated in his article that the word “spiritual” has been used in so many different contexts that it seems to have lost it true meaning. For instance, the word is often used to mean “holy” which in itself ventures to be vague and leads us to consider it somewhat ethereal, ghostly or supernatural.
I have heard people who have returned from a retreat describe the event as one of the most spiritual experiences they have ever had. What did they really mean? Was it an experience where everyone was in a constant misty-eyed attitude of prayer? Was it an experience where everyone was smiling happily with no disagreements or outbreaks of anger?
Or was it an experience where the Holy Spirit was present in abundance bringing feelings within the gathering of peace, unity, reassurance and thanksgiving. Attendees may have also experienced an increase in faith in their God as well as receiving a spiritual awakening to become more obedient servants. I wondered: is being a spiritual person something deeper than the feelings I have indicated?
How does Scripture use the term spiritual? In the Bible, the concept of spirituality originates with the Holy Spirit not with humans. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 the “spiritual gifts” are given by the Holy Spirit. Yes, spirituality comes from God alone.
Throughout Paul’s ministry he showed concern for the spiritual welfare of the people to whom he was giving ministry. For example, at the beginning of his letter to the church in Rome he writes, “ For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11).
In fact, in many of his letters particularly to the Saints in Corinth, Paul writes consistently about becoming a spiritual person (refer to 1 Cor. 2,3,9,10,12,14,and 15).
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul tells them because they have attained a level of spirituality they are called to bring special ministry to those who have fallen short in their lives. He challenged them by saying, “My friends, you are spiritual. So if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path.” (Gal. 6:1)
Our eyes are the lens in our bodies that allow us to see the beauty of the world around us. Similarly we need a supernatural lens in the eyes of our hearts allowing us to see all that the Lord has done for us and planned for us and the power He has to offer us. We need to see the power that Paul was describing to the Galatians that will support us in our ministries.
Spiritual disciplines are important in becoming a spiritual person. One writer has said: “Throughout the history of the church, believers have found that activities such as Bible memorization and meditation, fasting and prayer, solitude and study, celebration and worship, guidance and confession have helped them better see God and His truth.”
Spiritual disciplines serve a purpose in our lives by keeping us orientated toward the Light, toward our power source. We are encouraged to practice these disciplines for the intrinsic satisfaction they can give us. We should remember these disciplines are not duties, laws, demands or requirements. They are merely the conditions in which the joy of God is experienced. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit through searching, solitude and meditation assists us to develop these spiritual disciplines.
Another area of spirituality is spiritual perception. That is, tuning in to the messages God is sending us. At times in our lives, God seems strangely absent, but the problem is not that God has disappeared. We simply lack a “God” mindset. When we develop our sensitivity, we soon begin to see his work everywhere.
The apostle John suggests in John 6:63 that, “it is the Spirit that gives life.” May we endeavour to live life to the fullest with God’s Spirit accompanying us on our personal journeys?
Bill Gillard
Evangelist Bill Gillard lives with his wife Betty at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just outside of Sydney, NSW.