Have you ever heard or even used the phrase “you are too spiritual”? Has anyone labeled you as “too Christian”? Or have you said — I don’t want to sound “too spiritual”?
If you answered yes to any of those, you are not alone. I have been on both ends of that statement, but I have recently started questioning whether such a thing exists.
In an age where anybody can say they are spiritual, it’s important to understand the context. As my friend, Ashley, posted on her IG account the other day, “Everything these days is seen as spiritual but not everything spiritual is GOD or OF GOD.” She then quoted verse 1 John 4:1-6, which explains how we need to test the spirits not to be deceived.
This truth made me realize that our lack of understanding or knowledge of God leads us to label others, and even ourselves, as “too spiritual” or “too Christian.” We lack an understanding of the spiritual realm, but most importantly of the Spirit of God!
As sons and daughters of God, it is time to awaken to His Spirit!
There are people around us who need to experience Jesus; they don’t need to hear another person telling them what to do to “be accepted” by God. That is religion.
What they need to know is the person of Jesus! And how do we do that? By getting to know His Holy Spirit ourselves so we may show Him to the world.
Because He calls us to relationship and not religion, and that is with all of Him, not just with the parts we like.
So, from a Christian standpoint, can you really be too spiritual?
Let’s look at Jesus, for example, and of course, we would look at Him as THE example. He spoke with heavenly wisdom and didn’t do anything that Our Father wouldn’t do, right? But sometimes, people and even His disciples didn’t understand His comments unless they asked. Would you then consider that as being “too spiritual”?
He holds the knowledge of all things, the beginning, and the end. Even the things that are unknown to us are known to Him. He is the All-knowing God! And we have been given access to know the mysteries of heaven as His children, but we could never know all things.
We were created flesh, soul, and spirit. But our humanity, our soul, is what comes more naturally to us. I believe that’s because we lack an understanding of the spiritual realm, so we glorify our humanity over our spirit. Though we are not meant to completely disregard our humanity, as Christians, we are called to live by the Spirit and not according to our flesh:
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25.
And…
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1.
Even though we live in the world, we are not called to walk or war as the world does. (2 Corinthians 10:3) Again, we are called to walk in the Spirit and war in the Spirit!
But what does that look like?
Living by the Spirit requires discernment. As my friend said, not every spirit is of God. That means we need to be careful of who we follow. There’s only ONE true God, so there’s only ONE Holy Spirit. And He is who we follow.
We are called to be Christ-like. That means that our eyes should always be turned towards Jesus, who is the standard.
All this might seem like a lot when we are trying to live on our strength – striving to be like someone who is literally perfect in all His ways!
But the Word says that His Spirit in us is who transforms us into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18), and that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13).
Therefore, it’s not our job to stress about HOW to be like Christ; it is our privilege to follow the Holy Spirit who guides us in everything and teaches us all things.
The more intentional we are about seeking first the kingdom by reading the Word of God and acknowledging God in everything we do, the more Christ-like we will be.
In the end, living by the Spirit looks like what Jesus did while He was on this earth:
-He took time apart from the crowd, and even from His disciples, to dedicate to prayer. Luke 5:16
-He only spoke what the Father said, not out of His convictions. John 12:49-50
-He was about His Father’s business. Luke 2:49
-He felt compassion towards people and helped them. Matthew 14:14; Matthew 9:36
-He healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, and preached a message of repentance and love. Mark 1:39-41; Mark 1:15
-He brought life with His message and presence. John 1:4
-He forgave those who hated him and healed those who attacked Him. Luke 23:34; Luke 22:51-53
-He so loved the world that He gave His life for us. John 3:16-17
Jesus was always led by the Spirit. The good news for us is that the same Spirit that lived in Him is now in us! All we have to do is yield.
Be Spirit-led!
This might look strange to the world because they don’t know the truth, but we do! Because the Holy Spirit is here to teach us and guide us into all truth.
Let’s take that in!
We yield to the Spirit, not to peer pressure.
We are to be an influence to the world, not to be influenced by them and their ways.
It’s not about imposing our beliefs onto others but showing them that Jesus loves them. It’s our privilege to open a door for them to enter His presence and experience His love.
And we can only do that if we remain close to Jesus. It’s like spending time with a friend or even a sibling. The more we do it, the more we get to know and imitate them.
When we abide in God, the word says that He abides in us.
Living by the Spirit in Practice
Even though I’m still learning, I can tell you the ONE thing I try to apply to live by the Spirit:
- Ask God before I do. Although I admit it has been hard for me to acknowledge God in every little thing – because I’m used to doing things my way – the key to a Christian life is putting God first, even in the small things. Proverbs 3:6; Matthew 6:33
If you can focus on this ONE thing this week or even this month, I’m sure you will notice the difference in the way you interact with others and even in the decisions you make throughout the day. It won’t be easy, but it will be rewarding for sure!
Let me know in the comment section how you live a Spirit led life.
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