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.