Are You Spiritual?
Are you spiritual? All human beings are spiritual in one sense. We are all made in God's image; that is, our root essence is an immortal spirit (cf. Gen. 1:26,27). While on Earth, our spirits our housed inside our physical bodies. However, besides the fact that we are all spiritual beings, are you spiritual? I suspect that most who claim allegiance to Christ would answer this question in the affirmative, but are they correct in this self-assessment? How can one know whether or not he is spiritual? Let us consider a few passages from the apostle Paul's pen that are enlightening.

1. A Christian who is "spiritual" is not primarily focused on temporal (fleshly) matters.
I Corinthians 3:1 reads - "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ." It is unavoidable that some of our attention must be directed to physical matters of this life since we do currently have a fleshly existence on this sphere called Earth. However, there is a difference between tending to what is necessary physically while maintaining a spiritual focus and living a carnal lifestyle with little to no cognizance of spiritual matters.

2. A Christian who is "spiritual" is mature in the faith.
Consider I Corinthians 3:1 again with a different emphasis - "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ." When a person obeys the gospel and is added to the church, he typically begins as a babe in Christ. Babies are not mature in either their diet or behavior; they must be given much attention and care. Babies only care about themselves and their desires, but as they grow up they must be taught to look beyond themselves and their needs. Such is also true with Christians as they mature in Christ. New converts are often struggling to overcome sin that has been part of their existence for years. They are leaving behind their carnal side that has been forgiven and are embracing God's purpose for their life. As they develop and grow in the Christian graces (cf. II Pet. 1:5-11), they will increase their level of spirituality.

3. A Christian who is "spiritual" is pleased to acknowledge the inspiration of the Scriptures.
Paul wrote in I Corinthians 14:37 - "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." If one has doubts about the origin of the Scriptures or who the grand Author is, he is not spiritual. Those who would label certain portions of the Bible as mythological or unreliable need to fully investigate the internal evidences that indisputably prove that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (II Tim. 3:16,17; cf. our feature lessons from 01/29/05, 02/05/05, and 02/12/05).

4. A Christian who is "spiritual" is willing to humbly act to attempt to restore others.
Galatians 6:1 states - "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Those who are mature in their faith, humble in disposition, and willing to invest time and effort in attempts to bring back those who have wandered from the truth and fallen prey to sin are also described by Paul as spiritual. The church in most places sorely needs more people who are genuinely concerned about the well-being of others. The fact that few are converted to Christ in many communities and fewer still are restored after falling away is a sad testament to the overall lack of spiritually-minded brethren.

So, are you spiritual? According to Paul, you are spiritual if you are advanced in the faith, if you are pleased to fully acknowledge the origin and Author of the Bible, if you are willing to meekly reach out to others in an effort to bring them back to the truth, and if you aren't primarily focused on physical matters of this earthly realm. Dear listeners, if you aren't currently as spiritual as you need to be, reflect upon these four areas and determine to grow daily.