The spiritual man

It has been claimed by some that, at least in "the west", we are living in the most "spiritual" age in the history of mankind. That may well be so - but "spiritual", I would suggest, can be a very vague word! For example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as: "relating to deep feelings and beliefs, especially (not solely!) to religious beliefs."

In the Second (New) Testament, the word rendered "spiritual" is the Greek word pneumatikos, from which theologians have coined the term "pneumatology," the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Thus, from a Biblical perspective, a "spiritual" person is one who is not only born again spiritually through faith in Christ and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, but also tries diligently to follow the leading of the indwelling Spirit and to understand and obey the precepts of the Bible inspired by Him.

A spiritual person will have "the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), able to judge all things by spiritual standards and Biblical revelation. He or she will "walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." knowing that "to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:4, 6). As such, spiritual believers prayerfully make decisions seeking God's will, they are "led by the Spirit of God" (Romans 8:14). And since they "walk by the Spirit," they "do not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16).

 

They will often and repeatedly be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) for Christian service. Furthermore, they will manifest "the fruit of the Spirit" in their lives and personalities — that is, "love,[expressed in] joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;" (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

Yet while "The spiritual man" is thereby able to discern and evaluate all things by such divine standards, he will find himself often misunderstood by unsaved relatives and acquaintances, for " The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, ...... because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:14).

 

However, "he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:8). 

The Dove-man.

After such a long time in which I have been unable to access the link for a "New Post", I have finally managed to get here - albeit by a roundabout route.  Hopefully, when this post is published, I will be able to continue as before.  If I am not so able, at least I now know the alternative route!

Knowing the route is, of course, of great importance in the journey that we call 'life'! The story is told of a certain guide who lived in the deserts of Arabia - before the dynastic rule of the Saudi family!  This guide was well-known for never losing his way.  His secret was simple.  He carried with him a homing pigeon with a fine cord attached to one of its legs.  When in doubt as to which path he should take, he threw the bird into the air.  The pigeon quickly strained at the cord, in order to fly in the direction of home, and thus led the guide accurately to that destination.  Because of this unique practice, he was known as "the dove-man".

In the spiritual realm, God the Holy Spirit - the heavenly Dove - is willing, and able, to direct those who are have submitted themselves to the Lordship of Jesus the Christ.  You see, before a person is made spiritually alive, that person walks (i.e. lives) "... following the course of this world, ...", lured on by "... the [evil] spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." (Eph. 2:2).  However, after having experienced the regenerating power of salvation, new and different longings are received. The true disciple of Jesus is then made able to do the things that God leads him to do.  God the Holy Spirit continually guides - often through the written Word - regarding the path that should be pursued if the believer wishes to reach the heights of victory, and full blessing.  The danger comes when we cater for the flesh, and stop seeking the will of Father God for our lives!

All of us, who claim to be disciples of Jesus, ought to be "dove-men and -women" - sensitive, and fully responsive to our heavenly Guide of Whom the Lord Jesus said: "When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:13).

Your will be done.

The story is told of a certain guide who lived in the deserts of Arabia, but who never lost his way.  He carried, with him a homing pigeon, to the leg of which he had attached a very fine, but strong, cord.  Whenever he was in doubt as to which path he should follow, he would throw the bird up into the air.  It, of course, quickly strained at the cord in order to fly in the direction of home, thus leading the guide accurately to his goal.  Because of this unique practice, the guide was known as "the dove man".

Before a man (or a woman!) is made spiritually alive, he walks "... following the course of this world ...", lured by the evil "... spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." (Eph.2:1-2).  However, after having experienced the regenerating power of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, he is given new and holy longings and desires, and is empowered to do the things of God as he is divinely led.  God the Holy Spirit (the Third Persona of the Trinity), Who is the heavenly Dove, continually bears witness, through the written Word, regarding the path that should be pursued if he wants to reach the heights of victory and full blessing.  The real danger for the believer comes when he caters for the flesh, and stops seeking the Lord's will for his life.

All of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus ought to be 'dove men (or women)' - sensitive, and fully responsive, to our heavenly Guide, Who tugs at our hearts through both the 'strings of circumstance' and the direction of the Word.  There is a valid prayer in the words of the old hymn:

"Holy Spirit, faithful Guide;
Ever near the Christian's side.
Gently lead me by the hand;
Pilgrim in this desert land." (Marcus M.Wells;1858)

... and a thought:
Don't hinder the Spirit's leading - unsatisfied lives are caused by unsurrendered wills!