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EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 200+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

Biblical Spirituality: In the Bible, the word “spirituality” means having a certain attitude or way of living. This can be seen in the writings of Paul, who talks about the difference between a spiritual person and someone who is focused on their own desires. A person who is more focused on themselves may do what they think is right rather than trying to follow God’s standards. This is contrasted with someone who is spiritual, who prioritizes others, and who seeks to follow God’s teachings.—1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:19-20.

In contrast, those with a spiritual attitude place great value on following God’s teachings. They see God as a friend and strive to imitate his personality by being loving, kind, and gentle with others. They make a conscious effort to obey God, even when it is difficult for them to do so. For example, a man who has been married for 35 years may believe that a spiritual person always considers how their words and actions will impact their relationship with God. The wife may believe that a spiritual woman is someone who works hard each day to develop the characteristics of God’s Spirit as part of their personality, as described in the Bible. It’s important to note that one doesn’t have to be married to develop a spiritual attitude. According to the Bible, each individual is responsible for learning about God and striving to imitate his ways. This is a personal journey that can be pursued by anyone, regardless of their relationship status.

Can a Person Be Spiritual Without Religion? The Bible uses the term “spirituality” to describe a deep desire to please God and adopt his way of thinking. A spiritual person aims to live in accordance with God’s values and under the guidance of his Holy Spirit. The Bible uses the term “spirit” to refer to something that is invisible but demonstrates a powerful force in motion, much like breath. God is described as the supreme spirit being, and a spiritual person chooses to follow his will and the guidance of his Holy Spirit. This is illustrated in the Bible through various verses such as Romans 8:5 and Ephesians 5:1.

The Bible often uses comparisons to explain spirituality. For instance, a spiritual person accepts God’s teachings, while a physical person does not. In contrast to spiritual people, fleshly individuals tend to be envious and argumentative, rather than kind and peaceful. Those who speak poorly of their friends and drive them apart are referred to as “animalistic,” lacking spirituality. In the Bible, the terms “fleshly” and “physical” are used to describe individuals who prioritize their physical desires and needs above God’s teachings, with little to no consideration for God’s values. These concepts are illustrated through verses such as Jude 19 and Proverbs 16:28.

Spirituality originates from the fact that we are created in God’s image, as mentioned in Genesis 1:27. Because of this, most people have an innate desire for things beyond the physical or material world. We possess a natural ability to express qualities similar to those of God, such as kindness, fairness, and compassion, as described in James 3:17. Moreover, those who make a sincere effort to obey God’s commands receive strength to enhance their spirituality, as noted in Acts 5:32.

Spirituality is essential because it leads to “life and peace,” as stated in Romans 8:6. These gifts from God are invaluable, with life referring to God’s promise of eternal life for those who are spiritual, as noted in John 17:3 and Galatians 6:8. Peace, on the other hand, refers to the peace one receives from being at peace with God. Those who focus solely on their physical needs are considered enemies of God, according to Romans 8:7. In return, God rewards those who cultivate their spirituality with an inner peace that surpasses all understanding, as stated in Philippians 4:6-7. Such inner peace is a vital component to finding happiness in life, as described in Matthew 5:3.

To develop spirituality, one can start by learning and obeying God’s commands. The Bible is an excellent resource for doing so, as it contains God’s teachings as recorded by individuals who were inspired by the Holy Spirit, as noted in 2 Peter 1:21. Studying the Bible will help one worship God in truth, guided by the Holy Spirit and in harmony with his will, according to John 4:24. Praying for God’s help, as mentioned in Luke 11:13, can also be useful. God can assist one in developing the qualities that identify a spiritual person, as noted in Galatians 5:22-23, and provide wisdom for handling life’s challenges, according to James 1:5. Associating with spiritual individuals can be an excellent way to cultivate spirituality, as they can encourage one’s spiritual growth, as described in Romans 1:11-12. In contrast, associating with people whose beliefs conflict with those of God can negatively impact one’s spirituality, as noted in James 4:4.

Do we need Christianity to be spiritual? Belonging to a Christian denomination does not necessarily make a person spiritual. As stated in James 1:26, one’s religion is worthless if they fail to control their speech and deceive themselves. However, the Bible teaches that spiritual individuals worship God in the way that he approves. They acknowledge the existence of only one Spirit, God’s Holy Spirit, which motivates them to worship God as one body, or a church group that promotes unity and peace, according to Ephesians 4:1-4.

There is a common misconception that spirituality encompasses any method of self-fulfillment or achieving one’s full potential. However, according to the Bible, spirituality refers to a way of life guided by God’s teachings, rather than a path to self-fulfillment that is independent of God. Spiritual individuals find fulfillment by acknowledging Jehovah as their Creator and living in harmony with his purpose, as noted in Psalm 100:3.

Some people believe that practicing extreme self-denial or inflicting pain on themselves can help them develop spirituality. However, according to the Bible, such practices are considered a form of fleshly thinking and self-imposed worship, as stated in Colossians 2:18 and 23. The Bible associates spirituality with joy, rather than pain, as noted in Proverbs 10:22.

It is often believed that any association with the spirit realm, including spiritism or spiritualism, promotes spirituality. However, one form of spiritism, known as spiritualism, holds the belief that spirits of the deceased can communicate with the living. The Bible, on the other hand, teaches that the dead are unconscious, as stated in Ecclesiastes 9:5. In reality, spiritism involves communication with spirit creatures who are against God. Engaging in spiritism is an action that angers God and hinders a person’s ability to be spiritual, as noted in Leviticus 20:6 and Deuteronomy 18:11-12.

It is often assumed that all creatures have an inherent spirituality. However, while everything created by God brings honor to him, only intelligent beings can cultivate spirituality. In contrast, animals operate on instinct and cannot form a relationship with God. Their behavior is primarily driven by physical needs, as noted in 2 Peter 2:12. Thus, the Bible draws a distinction between spirituality and animalistic thinking and behavior, as stated in James 3:15 and Jude 19.

A spiritual person differs from a physical person in that they are inclined towards God. They strive to imitate God and see things from His perspective. Spiritual people have a deep and meaningful relationship with God and try to align their actions with His standards. Rather than focusing on worldly achievements, they aim to show the “fruitage of the spirit,” as stated in Galatians 5:22-23. To further explain what it means to be spiritually-minded, consider this comparison: Someone who is skilled in business is called business-minded, and similarly, someone who values spirituality or religion is called spiritually-minded.

To be spiritually-minded means to have a perspective and approach to life that is centered around spiritual or religious values and beliefs found in the Bible, which will make one biblically minded, giving them the mind of Christ. It involves prioritizing spiritual growth, seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual principles, and striving to live in alignment with those principles. Being spiritually-minded is often associated with qualities such as compassion, love, peace, and humility. Those who are spiritually-minded prioritize their relationship with God and seek to align their thoughts, words, and actions with that relationship.

To be biblically minded means to have a mindset that is focused on the teachings and principles found in the Bible. This includes studying and understanding the Bible, as well as applying its teachings to daily life. Biblically-minded individuals seek to live in a way that is consistent with God’s will and His commandments. They view the Bible as the ultimate authority on matters of faith and morality and seek to align their beliefs and actions with its teachings. Ultimately, being biblically minded involves striving to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God and living a life that reflects His values and principles.

To have the mind of Christ means to think and act in a way that is consistent with Jesus’ teachings and example. It involves developing a mindset that is focused on God’s will and His plan for humanity. Having the mind of Christ means that a person seeks to understand and apply Jesus’ teachings in their own life. This includes developing a deep and personal relationship with God, loving and serving others, and prioritizing spiritual values over material possessions. It also means embracing humility and putting the needs of others before one’s own desires. Ultimately, having the mind of Christ involves a total transformation of one’s thoughts and actions and a commitment to living a life that reflects Jesus’ example of love, compassion, and selflessness.