This past week, I saw a friend that gave several years serving in a ministry. He
worked hard, sacrificing vital years as a volunteer. As in all experiences, there were some good things about that time and also some challenges.

While together, I asked, “Are you grateful for that time in your life?”

After a short pause, he answered, “I don’t know. I was so focused on myself and trying to be spiritual, that . . . I don’t know. I still struggle with that (trying to be more spiritual).”

That answer has stayed with me. I think I understand what he was saying. The ministry focus was on being ambassadors for Christ. On living a shining, exemplary life that draws others to Him. In short, on being spiritual.

For many, the ministry focus was a trap, a pressure to be perfect and thus a leaning toward an effort gain salvation through works. And yes, also an effort to be spiritual.

While that sounds good to encourage a desire to be more spiritual, if it leads to a focus on self, and self-effort to gain spirituality, it is futile and destructive. The effort comes to naught, even with a heart’s desire is to serve God.

It might be wiser to put off writing on this until my thoughts are organized, but this is a wow moment for me, and I’d like to share just a few thoughts on the subject. In the sharing, maybe I’ll gain more clarity, and maybe you’ll have something to add to the mix that will increase my understanding.

• If my focus is on me and what I can do for God, I’m missing the mark. He calls us to brokenness. To surrender. Only as we surrender to Him can He work through us, and thus accomplish His purposes. In contrast to our self-intiated efforts, His work has authority, power, transformative life, etc., even when it’s channeled through us. (Ps. 51:17, Mt. 21:42-46, John 3:30).
• If my focus on being more spiritual is motivated by a desire for those around me to think highly of me, rather than seeking to please God, I won’t be pleasing to God and neither will I know and enjoy Him or receive my reward. (Col. 3:23-24)
• I struggle with self-focus and trying to be spiritual too. In my desire to serve the Lord and grow in Christ-likeness, I often unintentionally move into self-effort. Serving in a ministry where you have constant encouragement to minister in the name of the Lord probably intensifies the pressure to be—or appear—spiritual, but I believe it is a common temptation for all who seek to serve the Lord. (Lu. 11:39-40)
• When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit in the garden, were they not seeking to be spiritual? To be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil? We recognize the sin of denying God so we can take control, but we’re slow to see the sin of taking control of the process of becoming more like God (more spiritual) so we will bring glory to Him. Does the second not deny God as much as the first? Is one really worse than the other? (Gen. 3:5-6, Rom. 8:10-14)
• Our righteousness is as filthy rags, so if we work our hardest, doing the best we can to be spiritual, it will have the same effect as clothing ourselves in robes made of filthy rags. Meanwhile, Jesus wants to clothe us in His righteousness. Only He can clothe us in His righteousness. (Is 64:6, Is. 61:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-18, Col. 1:9-12, Gal. 5:22-26. Heb. 13.21)

As I wrap this up, it occurs to me that I hadn’t even considered a foundational question. What does it mean to be spiritual?

By definition, doesn’t spiritual mean being related to or governed by the Spirit? How can we become more spiritual except by becoming more closely related to or governed by the Spirit? It would be a “duh!” discussion if our Self were not so incorrigible, constantly trying to nose its way into the governing position.

The only way to become more spiritual is to seek first the kingdom of God. To seek to know and love Him more, to tune our ears to hear His Spirit, and be quick to trust and obey. He will then direct our paths and lead us into greater spirituality—but we won’t be measuring our spirituality. Instead, we will be enthralled with Him as He does the work in us.

May it be so, O Lord.