August 29

Written by Bill Grandi on August 29th, 2023

When you hear the word “spiritual” what comes to your mind? Our culture likes to throw that word around. “He is a spiritual person.” Or worse: “I am into spirituality.” Say what? What in the world does that mean?

I Googled the question, “What does it mean to be spiritual?” and the word spirituality showed up. So I said, “Okay, let’s take the bait.” Here is what it said: “Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than myself, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.” Yeah, that clears it all up.

One article said, “When people call themselves spiritual they are basically signaling three things: first, they believe there is more to the world than meets the eye. Second, they try to attend to their inner life…in the hopes of gaining a certain kind of self-knowledge. Third, they value being compassionate, empathetic, and open-hearted.” (The Conversation dated 11/16/17. Some editing done by me)

Yeah. Again that clears it right up. But here’s the thing: there is one factor missing in both thoughts. Let me rephrase that: there is one Person missing. That would be Jesus.

Simple truth: Anyone can be “spiritual.” Not everyone can be or is a follower of Jesus. Seeking a Higher Power, the Great Architect, the yin yang, the Grand Poo-Paw, or whomever, may be spiritual, but it certainly is not being a follower of Jesus.

In I Timothy 6:20-21 the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “Guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge;’ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” (ESV)

Even with all the “spirituality” we hear about, we can still miss what is true and truth: “Jesus Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (Paul’s words to Timothy in I Tim. 1:15)

Don’t pursue spirituality. Pursue God who revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus.

 

12 Comments so far ↓

  1. Amen, Bill! It’s about Jesus and only Jesus.
    Blessings!

  2. Ryan S. says:

    I often view spirituality as really like another “sense”. Much like our traditional 5 sesnes, we can use that sense for good, bad, ignore it. I think some may even lack a good deal of it.

    I think when we focus that sense on Jesus, it is life changing. It opens up an entire
    realm previously undiscovered. Like when a deaf child is able to hear for the first time. Or perhaps someone who is blind is suddenly able to see. But even more so!

    I think that is also where the Holy Spirit really latches onto us. Provides a protective barrier and like glasses for the eyes, allows the spiritual realm to become more in focus.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      You made me chuckle Ryan about some people even lack a good deal of it. You give a different twist here but I do see your point. It is still different from what the world calls “spirituality.”

  3. Lucinalva says:

    Bom dia, Bill
    Passando por aqui para conhecer o seu blog, gostei muito. Ótima postagem, que Jesus sempre apareça em nossas vidas, um forte abraço.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Translation: Good morning, Bill Stopping by to check out your blog, I really enjoyed it. Great post, may Jesus always appear in our lives, a big hug. My Spanish was rusty. Like non-existent but was able to translate it. Thanks for stopping by. And yes, may He always appear in our lives.

      • Ed says:

        That’s Portuguese, not Spanish. LOL
        Sorry Bill. 😉
        I had a man from Portugal marry one of my Mom’s cousins. I used to think he had a problem with the Spanish language. Turns out he wasn’t speaking Spanish. I could never understand anything unless he spoke English.
        There’s so much jargon going on when it’s a chosen topic. I always keep it simple: it’s all about Jesus!

        • Bill Grandi says:

          Hmmm. Wonder why when I put it into Spanish it translated it. Hopefully it translated the same. Thanks for straightening me out Ed. 🙂

  4. gail says:

    When someone says the word spiritual or higher being, my radar goes up. If someone says I believe in God, my next question is, do you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. It is sad how many people believe that they are ok just because they believe in God, or think they are spiritually enlightened, all of that means nothing if you do not understand that Jesus died for our sins to reunite us with our Father in heaven. Without Jesus, God sees our sins, which means eternity separated from our Father. With Jesus we have not just eternity with our Father in heaven, but a life on earth filled with Christ with hope and joy that we could never have attained on our own.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Why Gail you just preached a sermon! 🙂 but I totally and completely agree with you. too many say they believe in God but are unwilling to take that next step of surrender.

  5. Cheryl says:

    Amen, Pastor Bill! Praise God to know that the Truth is a person named Jesus, and pursuing Him is the only true spirituality. I am so thankful to know Him on an intimate level and that He walks with me daily.