SPIRITUAL LIFE
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, July 12, 2023
"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5
INTRODUCTION
The significance of having a spiritual perspective implies that those who prioritize worldly desires and material possessions are led by their fleshly desires, whereas those who prioritize their spiritual lives are guided by the Holy Spirit. Developing a strong relationship with the Holy Spirit can result in a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
When we embrace a spiritual life and acknowledge God's presence, we tap into a source of strength and guidance that surpasses any human understanding. Through this connection, we find solace, peace, and the ability to navigate life's ups and downs with unwavering faith.
What does it mean "If God is for us"? If God is for us, it means that we have the ultimate ally and advocate in our corner. It means that we have divine guidance, strength, and favour to overcome any adversity or struggle we may encounter in life.
There is a sense of urgency to long for God and spirituality, as part of our lives is spiritual. Understanding that God is on our side compels us to prioritize our spiritual connection and seek guidance from Him. This awareness reminds us that our true source of strength and fulfillment lies in our relationship with the divine, leading us to live a more purposeful and meaningful life.
Shall we question the validity of our beliefs? Shall we reevaluate our perspectives and seek a deeper understanding?
Spiritual life means nurturing our connection with the divine and finding meaning in our existence beyond material possessions and worldly pursuits. It involves practicing the idea that our purpose extends beyond the physical realm and embracing the idea that a higher power is guiding us. By cultivating this spiritual connection, we can find solace, wisdom, and a sense of purpose that goes beyond the superficial aspects of life. It entails practicing gratitude, compassion, and self-reflection to cultivate inner peace and spiritual growth. By embracing spirituality, we can find solace in times of adversity and develop a sense of purpose that transcends the challenges of everyday life.
What are the consequences that arise when we are not spiritual? When not spiritual, individuals may experience a lack of inner peace and struggle to find meaning in their lives. Without a spiritual connection, they may feel disconnected from themselves and others, leading to feelings of emptiness and loneliness. Additionally, without the guidance of spirituality, individuals may find it challenging to navigate through difficult times and may be more susceptible to stress, anxiety, and depression.
1. TRUSTING IN THE LORD
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots along the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8
Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of placing trust and confidence in the Lord. By doing so, individuals are compared to a tree firmly rooted in a stream, symbolizing stability, and nourishment. Despite challenging circumstances like heat or drought, those who trust in the Lord remain resilient and fruitful, free from worry and fear.
In this regard, a believer becomes able to declare things and even prophesy from inexistence to existence, as their trust in the Lord gives them the confidence to speak with authority and see their declarations come to pass. Just as a tree bears fruit, believers who trust in the Lord can bear the fruit of their faith through their words and actions, bringing about positive change and transformation in their lives and the lives of others.
Believers who trust in the Lord understand that their faith gives them the confidence to face challenges head-on and persevere, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. They hold onto the belief that even during hardships, there is a greater purpose and a brighter future awaiting them. By maintaining an optimistic outlook and refusing to lose hope, believers can inspire others and bring about positive change in their lives and those around them. In spirit, we can see and live up to the expectation of what the flesh's eyes have not seen yet, for it is through faith that we can manifest the unseen into reality. By aligning our actions with our beliefs, we can tap into the limitless potential within us and create a life filled with abundance and fulfillment. Trusting in the power of the divine, believers can overcome any obstacle and achieve their highest aspirations, ultimately becoming a beacon of light for others to follow.
2. LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.
Believers should rely on the wisdom and guidance of a higher power because their own understanding will always deprive them of the potential means and ways God uses to bless them. We open ourselves up to new possibilities and experiences that may exceed our limited understanding by surrendering our need for control and embracing faith. This enables us to face life's challenges with grace and peace, knowing that there is a greater plan at work.
Leaning on our own understanding can be harmful because it limits our perspective and hinders personal growth. It can lead to rash decisions based solely on our limited knowledge, resulting in missed opportunities or negative outcomes. Furthermore, relying solely on our own understanding may cause us to become closed-minded and resistant to alternative perspectives or solutions that may lead to greater success and fulfillment.
Who in the Bible leaned towards their own understanding, and what were the consequences? One example of someone in the Bible who leaned towards their own understanding is King Solomon. Despite being known for his wisdom, he allowed his many wives to lead him astray and worship foreign gods, which ultimately led to the division of Israel after his death. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying solely on our own understanding and not seeking guidance or considering alternative perspectives. 1 Kings 11:4-6, which states, "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek, the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon built high places for all his foreign wives to worship their gods, disregarding the commandments of the Lord. As a result, God became angry with Solomon and decided to tear the kingdom away from him, leaving only a small portion for his son to rule over. This demonstrates the consequences of straying from God's path and highlights the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to Him.
Another example of someone who relied solely on their own understanding aside from Solomon is the biblical figure of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 15:22–23, Saul disobeyed God's command and chose to spare some of the spoils of war, thinking it was a wise decision. However, Samuel rebuked him, saying, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice." This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying solely on one's own understanding and not seeking guidance from a higher power. It highlights the importance of obedience and humility in one's relationship with God.
3. SUBMIT YOUR WAYS TO GOD.
"Then Gideon said to him, “O my lord if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles, which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” Judges 6:13
It is normal to wonder why we experience difficulties and where God's presence can be found during difficult and perplexing times. When faced with difficulty, it is human nature to have doubts and look for explanations, as seen in Gideon's lament. It is crucial to keep in mind that our comprehension is constrained and that there might be a deeper meaning behind our difficulties that we are unable to fully grasp. By giving God our worries and inquiries, we make ourselves available to His direction and put our faith in His plan, even when it may appear hazy or unfavorable to us. Our faith is tested and strengthened during these times of doubt and difficulty, enabling us to advance spiritually and forge closer ties with God. It is essential to cling to the conviction that God is present in all circumstances, providing consolation and direction, and ultimately guiding us towards a greater purpose in life.
Gedeon submitted to God in what way, and how did God respond to him? Gideon sought God's approval by performing a fleece test. He prayed for the fleece to be covered in dew while the ground remained dry, and then he prayed for the exact opposite to occur. Both times, God granted Gideon's request, demonstrating His influence and leadership in Gideon's life.
What can we learn from the New Testament era about obeying God?
By praying and reading God's word, we can develop our New Testament-era ability to submit to God. We can seek confirmation from God through discernment and determining His will for our lives, just as Gideon did with the fleece test. Furthermore, just as Gideon did, we can learn to have faith in God's plan even when it appears hazy or uncertain. We can sense God's presence and watch His plan play out in our lives by submitting to Him and relying on His direction.
Knowing that we are in line with His perfect will can help us feel at ease and confident. We can also learn to rely on God's strength and wisdom as we continue to submit to Him and believe in His plan, knowing that He will give us what we need to overcome any difficulties we may encounter along the way.
Abraham is one instance in the Bible of a person who submitted their ways to God. Abraham obeyed without question when God instructed him to leave his country and travel to a land that He would show him. God abundantly blessed him as a result, and he became the father of numerous nations. Mary, Jesus' mother, is yet another case in point. Mary willingly accepted God's plan for her life despite the uncertainty and possible social repercussions, and she became the mother through whom Jesus was born.
