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7/15/01 Past/Future Articles |
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7/15/01 Past/Future Articles |
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Let's turn to Webster's dictionary to find out the meaning of the word spirituality. Spiritual character, quality, or nature: opposed to sensuality, worldliness. We must go to the true source to develop our spirituality and that is God's word. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1)
We must have humility as we read in Philippians 2:5-8, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbleth himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Obedience goes hand in hand with humility. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) To show true spirituality we must obey the laws of God and the land we live in.
We are to love as Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:43-44, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." The highest form of love we can have is like Jesus love for us. He died for us when we were sinners. We are to have agape love, to seek the highest good for others. If we love as we should, we will keep God's commandments." We are told in Jeremiah 10:23 that it is not in man to direct his own steps. "Oh Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." The Holy Spirit, through Jeremiah, let us know we should use the true guidebook, God's word.
There are many scriptures that will help us to develop our spirituality in our lives. May God help us to restudy, rethink and reexamine God's Word on this very important subject. And then may God help us all to start practicing what God's Word teaches on spirituality.
Charlie Turner, Elder