In contemporary society, Christian
spirituality is generally defined as a
set of beliefs, values, and way of
life that reflect the teachings of the
Bible, the holy book of Christianity.
Much research has been devoted to
this topic, ranging from practical to
academic.
But what does the Bible
teach on this issue?
First, Christian spirituality is
biblically defined as the practice of
the beliefs of the Christian faith. It
includes both knowledge and
action. James 1:25 notes, for
example, "But the one who looks
into the perfect law, the law of
liberty, and perseveres, being no
hearer who forgets but a doer who
acts, he will be blessed in his
doing." From the earliest writings of
the New Testament, the principle
of integrated and authentic faith
and action has been taught as
essential to Christian spirituality.
Second, Christian spirituality relies
on the power of the Holy Spirit to
live according to God's will. The
Holy Spirit serves to lead us into all
truth ( John 16:13), gives joy
(Ephesians 5:18), and convicts
when we sin (Ephesians 4:30). For
example, 1 John 1:5-8 teaches,
"This is the message we have
heard from him and proclaim to
you, that God is light, and in him is
no darkness at all. If we say we
have fellowship with him while we
walk in darkness, we lie and do not
practice the truth. But if we walk in
the light, as he is in the light, we
have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus his Son
cleanses us from all sin. If we say
we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in
us."
True spirituality depends on
the supernatural power God gives
through the Holy Spirit rather than
dependence on human strength.
Third, Christian spirituality is
concerned for all of a person's life.
Rather than separating spiritual,
physical, financial, social, and other
life components into distinct areas,
Christian spirituality is concerned
with how all of life connects to our
relationship with God. For example,
the use of our finances reflects the
attitude of our heart ( Matthew
6:21). How we treat our body
reflects our spiritual life in
important ways ( 1 Corinthians
6:20).
Finally, the pursuit of Christian
spirituality will result in what the
Bible calls the fruit of the Spirit:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control; against such things
there is no law" ( Galatians 5:22-23).
When a believer lives by the power
of God's Spirit, it produces godly
qualities as well as brings honor to
God. As Jesus taught, "In the same
way, let your light shine before
others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your
Father who is in heaven" ( Matthew
5:16). Seen from this perspective,
Christian spirituality is for the honor
of God, personal maturity, and
serves as a blessing to others, both
through the good deeds that take
place as well as a heart attitude that
points others to God.
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