The past couple days we have talked about the spiritual aspect of life. We established the fact that it is an “optional” aspect of our lives and that we have to choose to incorporate the spiritual into our visible lives. We also identified that this development is our first and most important calling in life with our vocational profession becoming the outlet for our genetics and cultural experience. That personality is the key vehicle which allows us to communicate that spiritual connection and its principles.

With that said, we must consider how do we develop spiritually when we live in a carnal, anti-God culture that promotes the visible, which is temporary, instead of the invisible or eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Our natural instincts would tell us to look for some documentation or proof of what comprises that spiritual life, and that would be wisdom at work. Now we have a choice. Several weeks back we looked at a lot of “good literature.” Every one of those manuscript’s writers penned those works with the intention of illustrating how to live a good life. However, as we noted before, only one illustrated a process for developing a spiritual connection as well as providing a promise for living in the eternal realm. So let’s focus on the better plan rather than just a good plan.

If we were to use Jesus as an example, then we will need to take a similar approach to the one He took with His friends, the Apostles. Jesus prepared His team the same way that He prepared Himself. He spent time alone developing a spiritual connection through prayer. He took his Disciples away from the crowds to ensure there was uninterrupted interaction that focused on the spiritual realm. He showed His disciples that He was a resource to them, the way God was a resource to Him. In other words, there must be a connection to communicate and interpret spiritual principles and understanding, in order to gain spiritual wisdom. While much can be learned through prayer, it is also important to have a mentor.

As we watch the growth and development of the Apostles, we notice that on multiple occasions they worshiped. Worship energizes us. It is like recharging a battery – it gives us the fuel to operate and stay connected to the authority and power that is available to us. Without this time of worship, we will become depleted. Please understand that worship is NOT just singing hymns, it is an act allowing us to take in the goodness of the spiritual realm. You can read scripture. You can listen to scripture. You can sit on the beach and pray – or simply marvel at what the spiritual has created that we can see.

As Jesus prepared his team, they acquired knowledge and understanding so that they could use their calling and vocation in life with authority. You will notice on multiple occasions that the Bible says that both Jesus and the Apostles “spoke with authority.” That authority is granted through spiritual knowledge, understanding and wisdom acquired from interaction with the spiritual realm as well as those who practice living under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

To fine tune that concept, look at what it says in these scriptures: John 13:12 – 15, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 4:16, and Philippians 3:17. They focus on the concept of emulating the teacher, mentor or coach who has learned and practiced the spiritual principles that will make a difference in your life. They will never be perfect like Christ, but they have experienced everything from the goodness to the chastisement of the Spirit to guide them to their present position.

Your role in this process is to ensure you are listening to the right person. First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning. The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help and guidance. That way you choose the best thing, not just a good thing.

Love Dad