True Spirituality

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Instead, it suggests that there is something greater that connects all beings to each other and to the universe itself. Whereas Eastern mysticism is grounded in the loss of the individual’s personality,it is not so with Christian mysticism. While we say we believe one thing, we allow the spirit of the naturalism of our age to creep into our thinking, unrecognized. But as this conscience of mine jumps upon me, aftera specific sin has been dealt with on the basis of Christ’s finished work, then I turn to my conscience and say, in effect, ‘ Down! As soon as this happens, Christians begin to lose the reality of supernaturalism in their Christian lives.

As a result of the fall, however, we are separated from God and trying to exist outside the realm in which God made us to exist – as such, we are trying to be what we are not. Martin Luther, in his commentary on Galatians, shows a great understanding of the fact that our salvation includes salvation from the “bondage of our conscience. Furthermore, Christian faith is never faith in faith, it is never without content, it is never a jump in the dark, it is always believing what God has said. It is this inward area that is the first place we lose true spirituality; the outward is always just a result of it.We were “crucified with Christ” that our old self might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – that means we are freed from sin (Rom 6:6-7); we now have the capacity to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4); we didn’t have that capacity as unbelievers. The apostle Paul tells us that our longing in love should be to seek the other man’s good – not just our own – “though all things are lawful for us, all things are not profitable for edification; therefore let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor” (1 Cor 10:23-24; Phil 2:4).

Just as in Justification we must see, acknowledge, and act upon the fact that we cannot save ourselves. Here is the concept of the “iceberg” again – nine-tenths below the surface, and only one-tenth above it, so that we cannot always sort out all that we are in the midst of our sin. That process of deep thinking and reflection on his Christianity, his life, and his work as a missionary led Shaeffer to a recommitment to the gospel.To these men these things are a piece of theater; but without their really knowing it, it is in the direction of what is. Schaeffer (1912–1984) authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into several languages and have sold millions globally. We may agree with doctrinal positions mentally, without making them ours; in the final analysis, it is never doctrine alone that is important – it is always doctrine appropriated that counts. When we step out of that very black perspective and into the perspective of the Kingdom of God, then these “negatives” which are laid upon us take on an entirely different aspect. Or is it like a piece of fine china that has been dropped on a tile floor and smashed beyond repair?

Carefully and prayerfully reflect upon the foregoing – these truths are absolutely essential for growing and maturing in Christ. Therefore, reckon these things as true – you are indeed dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus! Some people may seek spiritual experiences in every aspect of their lives, while others may be more likely to have these feelings under specific conditions or in certain locations.

Spirituality can enrich your life and lead to a number of benefits, but it is important to be cautious to not let spiritual ideals lead to pitfalls such as dogmatism or a reason to ignore the needs of others. The truth of the matter is, if we are not content and grateful, we are not loving God as we should; rather we are “coveting against God. The Holy Spirit serves to lead us into all truth (John 16:13), gives joy (Ephesians 5:18), and convicts when we sin (Ephesians 4:30).