“I’m not Religious, but I’m Spiritual” Are the two incompatible? (What the Bible says about being spiritual)

A common view of those who believe religion is evil while spirituality is good popularvegan.co m 2

Spiritual or Religious? “Spirituality Good – Religion Bad” –“While consciously pursuing your spiritual development is commendable, joining an established religion such as Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism is one of the worst ways to go about it.” -Steve PavlinaSteve Pavlina Personal Development for Smart People 3

Spiritual or Religious? People say: “Religion (organized religion) is evil” / “Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship” –Men make religion evil, Matt. 15:7-9; Col. 2:21-23 –God-defined religion is pure, James 1:26-27 A false comparison: –Not this: Religious v. Spiritual –But this: Spiritual v. Natural 4

World’s definition…Hold some belief in God Oprah Winfrey asked Michael Jackson, ‘Are you a spiritual man?’ His answer was generally affirmative because he believes in God ‘absolutely’. He said he was a ‘chosen instrument of nature’ to bring his gift to the world. Kendall, R. T. (1996). Understanding Theology, Volume One (p. 193). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus. 5 What Does it Mean to be Spiritual?

World’s definition…Often about- - –Self discovery –Self-focusing –Self-centering “oneness” with nature 6 What Does it Mean to be Spiritual?

Yoga and the “Spiritual” Fad Should yoga be treated only as a form of exercise in order to lose weight? What are the other benefits of yoga? Mamta Arora: No. While yoga is indeed a very rewarding form of exercise, it is not just exercise. It is a way of life. When a person practises yoga, he or she embarks upon a journey into a world of self-discovery and spiritual growth and experiences both physical and mental changes over time. Yoga harmonises thought, action and speech. It is based on 5 holistic principles: - Proper exercise - Proper breathing - Proper diet - Proper relaxation - Positive thinking and meditation -The Health SiteThe Health Site 7

“What, then, does it mean to be a spiritual person? “Being a spiritual person is synonymous with being a person whose highest priority is to be loving to oneself and others. A spiritual person cares about people, animals, and the planet. A spiritual person knows that we are all one, and consciously attempts to honor this oneness. A spiritual person is a kind person What Does it Mean to be Spiritual?

“If you want to be a spiritual person, then let kindness be your guiding light - kindness toward yourself, toward others, toward animals, and toward this beautiful planet that is our home. Recognize that we all have the spark of love that is God within us, and learn to honor that love so that you can know and experience the Oneness of all that is.” -Margaret Paul, Ph.D. 9 What Does it Mean to be Spiritual?

Bible definition, Romans 8:5-8 –Mind set on “the things of the Spirit”, 8:5 –Live “according to the Spirit”, 8:5; Gal. 5:16-18 –To be spiritually-minded is “life and peace”, 8:6; cf. 2 Peter 1:3 –Subject (submissive) to the law of God, 8:7 –Pleases God, 8:8 –Enjoys fellowship with God, 8: What Does it Mean to be Spiritual?

Opposite: Natural, carnal person –Lives by sight, not faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7 –Lives “according to the flesh”, Romans 8:5- 8 (1 Jno. 2:15-16) –Natural man is void of spiritual discernment because he rejects the word of God, 1 Corinthians 2:14 11

The Spiritual Person Galatians 5:16-26 Sets his mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-4 Receives the word of God, 1 Cor. 2: –Application: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 –Apostolic Scripture, 1 Corinthians 14:37 Conforms to the will of God, Rom. 12:1-2 12

Communes with God in prayer, Phil. 4:6-7 –Self-emptying, James 4:3; Hebrews 4:16 Uses heavenly wisdom in his treatment of others, James 3:13-18 Fights against evil, Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 10: The Spiritual Person Galatians 5:16-26

We walk “according to the Spirit” by obeying the gospel of Christ, Romans 8:1 –“No condemnation…in Christ Jesus” Put off the old man of sin and put on the new man, Ephesians 4:22-24 –“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (23) 14 Christians are Spiritual Philippians 3:20