We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. – 1 Corinthians 2: 13-14

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word religious as: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity and scrupulously and conscientiously faithful.

And it defines the word spiritual as: of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit: incorporeal (having no physical presence or form) and of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena.

So after analyzing these terms against what Scripture says, it seems to me that it would be inappropriate for us to call ourselves “religious” if we’re followers of Christ.

Because even the Pharisees and Sadducees fit the definition of religious; they faithfully adhered to their devotion to God through their sacred practices.

What differentiated them from the Apostles, however, was their inability to discern and receive the Spirit.

They were not able to interpret prophecies with accuracy or access the supernatural power of God because they either didn’t understand or didn’t believe in spiritual things. And they weren’t on the Spirit’s “love” frequency.

But when others received the Holy Spirit, they understood that God was not some far-away being, but a very real and present force who interacted with them on a daily basis.

And God is the same today as He was back then.

His Spirit is with us in real-time every single day, watching us, protecting us, empowering us, teaching us, and revealing things to us.

The Spirit still causes some of us to prophesy and have visions, and still urges and convicts us with timely Divine messages.

The Spirit can give us clarity and confirmation about specific circumstances in our lives.

But we will never deepen our relationship with Christ, or discern the Holy Spirit when He moves in our lives if we scoff at spiritual things.

We must understand that truly having the mind of Christ as Apostle Paul did means that we’re on a deeply spiritual path.

Evaluating spiritual things is an essential part of our walk with God.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, I pray that you would sharpen my ability to see and discern things of your Spirit. Teach me the true meaning of your spiritual truths. Reveal to me your thoughts and guide my tongue so I can explain your Way to others. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.