3 Sure Signs of True Spirituality James 1:26-27 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this mans religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. One sign of true spirituality is seen in the fact that the Holy Spirit rules our speech. When one is truly Spirit controlled, we no longer talk carelessly but only as Christ would speak. Jesus taught us that every idle word will be judged, meaning that God wants to bridle our tongues or speech for His glory. True Spirituality is therefore clearly seen when Christ is holding the reins of our speech. Christ manifests Himself through the words of those He is living large in. James 3:2-6 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Secondly, true Spirituality or the truly Spirit controlled life is a manifestation of Godly compassion and sacrificial love for people. The Holy Spirit gives us the heart of Christ so that we can care for the challenges of others with sincere and passionate feelings. Clearly, this is another sign to know that the Spirit is at the helm of affairs in our lives - when the sacrificial love of Christ for humanity is pulsating in our hearts by our sincere and joyous Good Samaritan activities. Luke 10:25-29 (Read the parable of the Good Samaritan Lk 10:25-37) And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 1 John 3:16-18 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this worlds good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. Thirdly, another expression of true spirituality is manifested in holy living or a lifestyle of Christlikeness - thinking, talking and acting with a strong bias of aversion to sin and worldliness, combined with a strong attraction for doing right by God. This is exactly why the Holy Spirit is called Holy and why God is called the thrice Holy God. Anyone who says they are Spirit filled or Spirit controlled, yet does not reflect the Holiness of the Spirit they claim to be filled with, is a big liar. Hebrews 1:8-9 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Job 1:8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Ephesians 5:25-27 ...as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. If these things are lacking in you, then you are not filled with the true Holy Spirit or you may have quenched the Spirit. Maybe you need to take time out and seek The Lord again so as to gain a deeper intimacy with Him and obtain grace for His true infilling. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 08:13:07 +0000