As a Christian, you might wonder how to draw closer to God and become more spiritual. In this blog post, we explore what it means to be a spiritual Christian and how to cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God.
What is Christian Spirituality?
A common question is, “Aren’t all Christians spiritual?” While spirituality is often associated with Christianity, it is possible to be a Christian without fully embracing a spiritual life. So, what defines a spiritual Christian, and what characteristics set them apart?
To be a spiritual Christian means to be led and to live by the Spirit of God. It involves allowing God’s Spirit, dwelling within us, to guide our decisions rather than relying solely on our logic and intellect. As Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Quieting the Mind and Heart
Becoming a spiritual Christian requires quieting our minds and stilling our hearts. Often, we cannot hear God’s Spirit leading us because our thoughts and compulsive thinking drown out His voice. We are preoccupied with our past, future, worries, and daily cares, which can conflict with the Word of God.
Solitude and Silence
Spending time with God in solitude and silence is essential for nurturing spirituality. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray and connect with God. This practice created a deep spiritual connection between God and Christ, exemplified by Jesus’s words, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). He said, “I only do and say what the Father tells me” (John 5:19), highlighting the unity of thought and purpose that came from their spiritual union.
Trusting God’s Spirit
Many Christians struggle to nurture God’s Spirit within them. They may doubt the Spirit’s guidance, especially if it contradicts natural or logical thinking. Some feel that God doesn’t speak to them and place more trust in pastoral staff than in the Holy Spirit.
The Role of the Church
In many churches, the focus is on rules and formulas rather than teaching how to be spiritual. Often, sermons offer a one-size-fits-all message that does not account for individual differences in purpose, personality, and style. However, spirituality is not about conforming to a set formula but about cultivating a unique relationship with God.
The Spirit Within Us
Jesus taught that God’s Spirit is already within us. He encouraged us not to embark on a quest to find God because, by opening our hearts to Him, we already possess His presence. As on the day of Pentecost, when we wait on God, He provides the tools and power needed to carry out His mission. As 2 Peter 1:3 states, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Building a Personal Relationship with God
Being a spiritual Christian means building a genuine and personal relationship with God, grounded in “being” and “abiding in Christ.” From this intimate fellowship, we receive the direction, guidance, power, and instructions necessary to fulfill God’s ongoing purpose in our lives. This process requires dedication, time, and a willingness to listen to and trust the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, becoming a spiritual Christian involves more than just following religious practices; it’s about nurturing a profound and personal connection with God. By quieting our minds, spending time in solitude, and trusting the Spirit within us, we can cultivate a deeper spirituality that aligns with God’s will and purpose for our lives.
How to Become More Spiritual as a Christian
To become more spiritual as a Christian, it’s important to take a moment and reflect on the changes you want to see in your life and consider your priorities. You might desire to live with more peace and less stress, exercise more, or lose weight. You might aim to eliminate unhealthy relationships or develop stronger connections with your partner, friends, or family. Regardless of your specific goals, your greatest priority should always be to strengthen your relationship with God.
Forgiveness and Self-Love
One of the most crucial steps in becoming more spiritual is to forgive yourself for past mistakes. Loving yourself means having the ability to forgive yourself for those mistakes and then prioritizing your love for God. By placing your trust in Him for guidance, you can start to rely on His direction.
When you prioritize getting closer to God and seek first His kingdom, He will always guide you. Perhaps the best “resolution” for becoming a spiritual Christian is to strengthen your relationship with Christ by seeking Him within.
Spending Time with God
One way to enhance your spirituality is to spend time with God and consider Him in every choice you make and every action you take. Dedicate time each day to prayer and meditation. The Bible tells us that the Spirit of God is within us. Often, we seek God externally, but to truly access Christ, we must look within, where He is knocking on the door of our hearts. Opening this door and inviting Christ in allows Him to live in us and through us, guiding our lives.
Engaging with Scripture
Spend time reading the Scriptures and allowing His Words to guide you. Through God’s guidance, set realistic and meaningful goals. Remember that starting a spiritual journey is not just about reading the Bible; it’s also about considering God in every decision and choice you make.
Making Wise Choices
Use your better judgment and wisdom when making choices. When faced with decisions, always think about how your relationship with God will be affected. This mindful approach ensures that your actions align with your spiritual goals and values.
Purifying Your Heart and Mind
Lastly, keep your heart and mind pure. The Bible advises us to “purify our hearts from all that contaminates body and spirit out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). It also tells us to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Therefore, don’t allow worry, fear, or negativity to dwell in your mind and heart. Use meditation and other spiritual tools to cleanse and renew your mind daily.
Becoming more spiritual as a Christian involves more than just external actions; it’s about cultivating a deep, internal relationship with God. By forgiving yourself, prioritizing your relationship with God, spending time in prayer and meditation, engaging with Scripture, making wise choices, and purifying your heart and mind, you can grow spiritually and deepen your faith. Embrace this journey with dedication and an open heart, and you will find yourself drawing closer to God each day.
How to Walk in the Spirit: Embracing Divine Guidance and Presence
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
In the journey of faith, walking in the Spirit is not merely a theological concept but a profound invitation to live in communion with God’s presence. As Acts 17:28 reminds us, our existence finds its truest meaning in Christ, and this relationship deepens as we allow Him to dwell within us.
Jesus’ words in John 14:24 emphasize the symbiotic nature of faith and obedience: those who love Him naturally heed His teachings and follow His divine guidance. This spiritual alignment, where we open ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit, fosters a continuous communion with God, guiding our thoughts, words, and actions.
To walk in the Spirit involves a deliberate journey of spiritual purification and surrender. It requires us to dismantle our carnal and fear-driven thoughts, creating a sacred space within ourselves where Christ’s spirit can reside unobstructed. This ongoing process involves rooting out any hindrances that may impede the Spirit’s work within us.
God respects our free will and occupies the space we willingly offer Him. As believers, inviting Christ into our hearts initially through salvation begins this transformational journey. Revelation 3:20 beautifully illustrates Christ’s constant presence at the door of our hearts, seeking entry into every aspect of our lives.
The key to walking in the Spirit lies not in striving or human effort but in yielding to God’s indwelling presence. This surrender allows His love, joy, and peace to permeate our daily activities—whether working, cooking, or playing—thus reflecting His divine nature effortlessly.
Christian meditation, stillness, and immersion in Scripture play pivotal roles in this journey. They provide moments of renewal, restoration, and alignment with God’s will, helping us discern His voice amidst life’s challenges. Through these practices, we cultivate a mindset attuned to God’s wisdom and truth, enabling us to navigate life with clarity and grace.
Walking in the Spirit does not entail a superficial transformation of personality but a profound renewal of mind and heart. It empowers us to respond to life’s trials with faith, trust, and love, rooted in Christ’s teachings and example.
This spiritual journey transcends religious performance or outward displays of piety. Instead, it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to permeate every aspect of our being, guiding our thoughts and actions in alignment with God’s will. It fosters a deep peace and intimacy with God, enhancing our ability to receive divine wisdom and communicate with Him unhindered.
Ultimately, walking in the Spirit is a continuous practice of faith, trust, and surrender—an ongoing journey toward deeper communion with God. As we cultivate this connection, we experience the transformative power of God’s presence, shaping us into vessels of His love and instruments of His peace.
May this journey inspire us all to live in the Spirit, embodying Christ’s love and grace in every moment of our lives.
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