It has become popular in modern society to be “spiritual, but not religious.” “Spiritual” usually means that a person is in touch with his or her own spirit, the spirits of others, and some (personal or impersonal) Higher Power or Spirit that inhabits (and perhaps empowers) the universe. To do this, one does not need to be part of an organized religion or believe any specific doctrines about God, sin, salvation, heaven, hell, or Jesus. In fact, doctrine will probably only limit one’s spirituality since God (who- or whatever He, She, or It may be) is undoubtedly bigger than religious categories. Religion separates us, goes the common thinking; spirituality brings us together.
The Bible teaches that our most basic need is not first and foremost that of spiritual direction or of getting in touch with our “spiritual self” but that we are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and in need of spiritual life that can only come from God. The God who gives spiritual life is the God who created the world and entered the human race as Jesus Christ. Spiritual life is only available to those who are raised to new life in Christ through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:6–7). Those who are “raised with Christ” are born again into new spiritual life and are indwelled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the Ultimate Spiritual Director (Romans 8:14). And He will always glorify Jesus (John 16:14) and direct us to become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15).
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