Mike Demory
More and more we are hearing individuals who claim to be Christians asserting that they are stronger in the faith or spiritually superior because their brand of liberty has no bounds. Several years ago, a brother in Christ and myself took the opportunity to visit with erring brother Pat Boone. He was promoting a new CD, so we stood in line for quite some time to speak with him about his soul. Brother Boone was very cordial, and gave us 10 minutes to speak to him about the gospel, after which he informed us that when we grow mature in the faith, we will become as spiritual as he was. It’s amazing how people can twist the Scriptures and convince themselves that they are conforming to God’s will, when their fruit reveals the exact opposite.
One of my sisters who is involved in Pentecostalism, thinks that she is more spiritual than I am, because her church allows her to give testimonies, and witness, and other such non-sense not found in the New Testament. I’ve heard Christians tell me that their denominational friends look at them as non-spiritual because we don’t sing with mechanical instruments, sway back and forth with hands lifted into the air, or fall on the floor in ecstatic writhing’s. What we must keep in the back our minds when doubt is cast our way by those who “seem to be somewhat,” is that it is they who are not spiritual. Roman Catholic Monks and Nuns are looked upon as being more spiritual than others, as are those who walk on their knees up the sides of mountains to pray to Mary. If it is the case that such “spiritual” individuals are involved in things not authorized by God, and most of the time it is; then why would we ever assume that they understand the meaning of being spiritual?
Being spiritual has nothing to do with emotionalism, sensationalism, asceticism, or denominationalism in general; but everything to do with our attitude; our mindset. It doesn’t matter how many things we deprive ourselves of, or the number of ceremonies we take part in, or the things on the outside that appear to be very religious, if it’s not prompted by the correct attitude, motive and emphasis, then it is all done in vain. The Corinthians thought that they were spiritually superior because they (1) Followed the ones who baptized them; (2) Sought preachers who were great motivators; (3) Allowed incestuous relationships; (4) Ate meat offered to idols without thinking of others; (5) Bragged about their spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians). Paul let them know in no uncertain terms that the wisdom of men was foolishness with God (1 Cor. 3:19); and they were not spiritual, but carnal (1 Cor. 3:3).
Men and women can fool themselves all they want to, God will allow them to delude themselves when their attitude is such that they are not trying to find the truth (2 Thess. 2:10-12). The Pharisees certainly saw themselves as spiritually superior as in the case of the one who thanked God he was not like other men (Luke 18:10-14). Yet, Jesus revealed their lack of spiritually when He pronounced upon them Woe after Woe because they thought ceremonies and outside appearance was what pleased God (Matt. 23:1-33). When our emphasis in life is to observe God’s will with a whole heart (Psa. 119:33-38); then our Motivation will be loving God and keeping His commandments (John 14:15). Being spiritual has everything to do with our attitude, which comes before our actions. Jesus said, “By their fruits, ye shall know them.” By a persons actions, we are able to tell who is truly spiritual, and who is not. If our attitude is such that in all our ways, we will acknowledge Him (Prov. 3:6), then we can say we are spiritual.
