There is an anti-Christ movement today of spiritualism. I believe the church of Jesus Christ must guard against becoming “over spiritual”. Our God does not ask that we sit for a certain amount of time in a certain place or a certain way to please him. He does no longer require sacrifice since Jesus displayed that once and for all for all man kind on the cross.
The different religions of the world that promote such works and spiritual behavior will dilute the truth of what it means to be “spiritual” if we are not careful. While we are willing to die if put in the situation of death or denying Christ, we do not believe that Christ demands death of us to be pleased or appeased or to somehow earn a better heaven.
Christ is our high priest and we are all parishioners in the kingdom of God. Satan is doing a pretty good job of mimicking faith and spiritualism. How can we stand out in the world and be a light for truth?
God called us to several things in His Word that I believe give us, as Christians, stability: Our prayer life is to be continual, private and sincere. The more sincere we become in praying to God each day and in all situations we will move from religion to relationship. I do not believe God hears you any more clearly if on your knees versus at your desk in the office. He is not listening for eloquence of words either. God is looking at the heart. He wants sincerity over religion. Relationship is all about relating to someone. Relating to God is a continual process throughout our day as though we were communicating with a spouse or loved one. The difference is only that He is always available and can help us in ways where others may fail.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
We are called to live quiet lives of submission and responsibility as well as respect. How many times have you seen someone who might be over actively spiritual in a church service or other ways but yet they do not fulfill their obligations. Through working hard and doing what is right we magnify our Father God. Laziness is in opposition to God. God is always working therefore someone who exhibits a spirit of laziness and claims a close walk with God would be questionable in my opinion. Looking for the attributes that God possesses in a person versus their spiritual activity is wise and will help us to be discerning in these last days.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
God requires humility, simplicity, and conviction. It is so important to keep our hearts in a place of realistic positioning. We are called to live very simply and with deep conviction. There are absolutes in this world and a clear division between right and wrong. Spiritualism as defined by the world will cloud that line of absolutes and promote the grey scale. That is the place where anything goes and it’s all "OK" as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. This is not the truth of the Bible and will ultimately lead us away from devotion to Christ.
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
We are to be walking mirror images of the grace we have received from Christ. Not to negate the previous paragraph absolutes and right versus wrong; however, grace covers all. Grace is the currency that covers all of our sin as well as our good works. Good works without the motivation of grace are no more to our credit than the sin that easily distracts us from our purpose. If we do not know and experience the grace of God in our lives in such a way to transfer this grace to our relationships with others, then we are just like all other religions and leave people around us feeling judged, unaccepted and misplaced. When we convey the grace of God that is deeply set in our hearts to those around us I believe they will long to know the difference Jesus Christ has made in our lives.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
