Can we be spiritual without the Holy Spirit?
Yes. And no.
The more important question is “What kind of spirit are you following?”
A quick search on Google reveals that “spiritual” means “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” A second definition narrows it down to something religious in nature, but we are still not necessarily referring to our spirit aligning with the Spirit of God.
If our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12), we affirm that not everything spiritual is of the Holy Spirit.
This past Saturday, I hiked various trails in Petit Jean State Park. Having lived in Colorado twice, I miss the Rocky Mountains. Now living in the flatlands of Arkansas, I enjoy being able to drive less than two hours and traipse up and down rocks and boulders, conquering the “mountain” as I climb to the top. As trails wind around the streams, I unwind my mind, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the rushing water cleanse my soul.
For me, this is always a time to reconnect with the Creator through His creation and to attune to The Spirit as my spirit is refreshed. Others would describe the same experience as very “spiritual,” without any grasp of the Holy Spirit. “Oneness with nature” or “uniting with the earth’s energy” are not the same kind of spiritual experience we are talking about. Many “spiritual” comments sound good, but they speak from the viewpoint of the world (1 John 4:5) and are not healthy because of how they draw us away from the one and only Spirit of God.
As we look at women’s spiritual health this month, my encouragement to you is to be discerning in your spiritual growth.
We are not called to design what we think makes us more spiritual. And we should avoid “looking spiritual” in the way we observe someone else’s spirituality. The Great Physician and Author of our spiritual health is the Spirit of God. As we seek to align ourselves with His teaching, follow the steps of the Son, and the guidance of the Father, our true spiritual health will be revived.
One more thing: Instead of focusing on external factors that appear to be stealing your joy or unsettling your peace, I encourage you to go to the source of our true spiritual health. Join with the Holy Spirit in His transforming work to make us healthy and whole.
And remember: Not everything permissible is beneficial (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:23). Not everything spiritual is of the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:1-6).
What kind of spirit are you following?
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