Spiritual People
I have been studying the book of 1st Corinthians from the Bible, in order to prepare for our new “cafe style” evening service at our church. We call it Jericho Roots, as it is designed to get us rooted and grounded in truth. As I was going through that book, it struck me - that this was just a letter written to church folks… by the Apostle Paul. He had a lot to say - but most of it was geared toward the problems they were having in “just getting along.”
There’s a misconception that Christians have it “together” or at least they try to appear that way. Nothing could be further from the real truth. Look at the language Paul uses. In the first chapter (verse 7) he tells them that God has given them every spiritual gift they need… so whether it was hospitality or healing… tongues or teaching - they were loaded. BUT! A few paragraphs later (chapter 3) he tells them they aren’t even spiritual people! They are immature, selfish and like “babies”… In many Christian circles, spiritual gifts are sought after like treasures… but they clearly don’t equal a lifestyle that is pleasing to God. So, what does???
I grew up in a tradition that said - “It is Bible study that makes you mature…” Well, it surely is important - but learning can also make you arrogant and set in your ways. I have met many folks with incredible knowledge - but not much spirituality… I always ask the question; “Do they remind me of Jesus?” Sadly, the obvious answer is too often, “Not really.”
So, how do we get mature? I had this discussion with a pastor friend of mine - and the answer we arrived at was the simple one… Jesus said “unless you learn to become unselfish… you can’t follow Me.” (paraphrased from Luke 9) So, if we learn to be “giving people” - not giving to feel good - but to make sure others are actually treated more importantly than we are - THEN we find the secret. We grow up. Our knowledge becomes effective and our gifts get used for their correct purposes - to build up somebody else…
We try to teach the teens in our Jairus 12 Step that - Today is not about them… that they have the chance to create a peaceful environment around them that flows from the inside out - and results in the blessing of others. The source of that kind of life-flow is found in Forgiveness and Grace. Some of them are getting it. Indeed, they are the real spiritual people in my life. Maybe someday, some of them might even come to church.
November 5th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Tracy