Tuesday, November 4, 2014
I suppose that, as a Christian, you have probably heard people saying that you are religious. Well, here’s another one: How often have we heard some Christians being referred to as being very “spiritual”? I was thinking about the accuracy of these general worldly assessments recently as I was reading in the book of Galatians again, particularly verse 1 which reads: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest you also be tempted.” As I wrote previously, this is a delicate undertaking which requires much meditation, consideration, and prayer, and is the main reason that Paul addressed his plea only to the “spiritual” members of the church. Thinking more carefully about Paul’s request, it is pretty apparent that a “spiritual” person, therefore, is someone who is meek, thoughtful, considerate, caring, and wise, among other things.
To many, a religious or spiritual person is someone who constantly repeats phrases like “Praise God, thank you Jesus, glory to God, Halleluiah”, sometimes all at once. Others may be impressed if you wear large Christian medallions or crucifixes, talk about your church or religion constantly, quote many scriptures by memory, or even if you tote a big bible with you everywhere you go. We were in a hospital waiting room recently and a somber looking gentleman with a big bible was sitting directly across from us. It is very likely he was a genuine child of God. Nevertheless, when making hospital visits, if we are going to take a bible with us at all, a pocket-size New Testament with the Psalms included will do just fine.
I know that most people who do so, mean well, but speaking for myself, I feel slightly uneasy when people refer to me as being “spiritual” or “religious”, and especially when someone addresses me as “reverend.” When they do, these words of Christ come to mind: “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets”
(Luke 6:26) That others will say that you are a good person should be more important to you than being called “religious” or “very spiritual.” I hope you agree.
Memory verse for the week: (1 Corinthians 15:58) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
