Are You Spiritual
by Skip Heitzig |What does it mean to be a spiritual person? If you ask the average American you'll get a potpourri of answers: Some would say it means going to church, others chanting a mantra, while still others would define spirituality as a warm, fuzzy feeling. But God's Word describes spirituality as belief in the one true God. The overflow of this belief is a life governed by the Holy Spirit. If we walk in the Spirit it will be evident to the world around us because we produce spiritual fruit.
Spiritual fruit demonstrates spiritual life. But how do we produce fruit in our lives? Jesus said "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5). We can only bear fruit by abiding in Christ.
Abide means to maintain living communion or keep close contact with, as with a close friend. Jesus tells us that we must abide in Him, keeping close communion with Him by talking with Him, listening to Him, and seeking Him. Spiritual fruit in our lives is the overflow of that intimate relationship.
The Bible encourages us to produce fruit that indicates that we are attached to Jesus Christ, the vine: people coming to Christ, holy living, giving to others of our time and resources, doing good works, and praising. The fruits of the Spirit all reflect the character of Jesus Christ: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Don't you want to reflect those characteristics to the world?
Living spiritually is more than being involved in spiritual ideas or having a vague belief in a universal spirit. It's even more than being involved in spiritual activity. It is a commitment to the Holy Spirit's leading. Don't be confused by the many spiritual ideologies that are prevalent in our culture. Instead, purpose to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus by abiding in Him and producing fruit that will last.
Spiritual fruit demonstrates spiritual life. But how do we produce fruit in our lives? Jesus said "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5). We can only bear fruit by abiding in Christ.
Abide means to maintain living communion or keep close contact with, as with a close friend. Jesus tells us that we must abide in Him, keeping close communion with Him by talking with Him, listening to Him, and seeking Him. Spiritual fruit in our lives is the overflow of that intimate relationship.
The Bible encourages us to produce fruit that indicates that we are attached to Jesus Christ, the vine: people coming to Christ, holy living, giving to others of our time and resources, doing good works, and praising. The fruits of the Spirit all reflect the character of Jesus Christ: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Don't you want to reflect those characteristics to the world?
Living spiritually is more than being involved in spiritual ideas or having a vague belief in a universal spirit. It's even more than being involved in spiritual activity. It is a commitment to the Holy Spirit's leading. Don't be confused by the many spiritual ideologies that are prevalent in our culture. Instead, purpose to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus by abiding in Him and producing fruit that will last.
In His strong love,
Skip Heitzig
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