How to Develop Your Spirituality

We are spiritual beings

We are spirits living in a material world.[1]

We are spiritual beings having a physical experience. Our material body houses our immaterial spirit, therefore the body gives the spirit a vehicle of expression. Though body and spirit are one and they do work together, they are essentially opposed - the body enjoys temporary worldly things, while the spirit enjoys eternal heavenly things.[2]

The human spirit craves spiritual answers.[3]

Many look to science for spiritual answers, but because science deals with material (physical) things and the spiritual world exists outside of the physical world, science cannot adequately answer spiritual questions. To develop spirituality one must look outside of science.

A belief in God is necessary to experience true spiritual life - for the breath of life that fills the lungs comes from the Creator’s Spirit. Every breath we take serves as a reminder that we were made by God, the Creator, the maker of all things.[4]

The Spirit of God lives in you, and this spirit is meant to steer your heart and mind and behavior. This Spirit gives gentle yet firm promptings, and we are to allow the Spirit to have control over our lives.[5]

True spirituality does not come by living in compliance to laws or rituals. It comes by living in communion (an intimate relationship) with God, and being led by the Spirit of God. Laws and rituals do not transform the heart, and the heart is what God wants.[6]

Often, the heart must be emptied of lesser (temporary worldly) things for the Spirit to direct one toward greater (eternal heavenly) things. Like a hardened field that must be broken up and plowed to be used for a crop, so too must our hearts be prepared to be used for greater good. This process can be long and difficult but fruit follows the plow. When the soil of the heart is prepared, spiritual fruit follows.[7]

We all get to make a choice

Spiritual growth is a process. There is an order. Lessons must be learned before other lessons can be presented and understood.[8]

As we walk through life, the Spirit whispers truth into our hearts to help us decide what is right. It guides, illuminates, speaks, teaches, assures, directs, intercedes, convicts, warns, and gives us confidence and power. If we allow the Spirit, it will lead us safely and perfectly in the way each of us should go. We only need to ask.[9]

Some people ask for help, some never do, and some ask then reject the Spirit’s promptings. We all get to make a choice of whether we follow the Spirit’s leading.

Those who reject these promptings may harm themselves. They may choke their spiritual growth, or become spiritually blind and deaf. They may turn to false mediums for spiritual guidance and forever stain themselves. They may fall away and follow demons, or become unspiritual and no longer have access to the Spirit.[10]

Some people simply do not accept the things of the Spirit. Instead of spiritual things they are interested in worldly things. Spiritual things are foolishness to them and they cannot understand them because they are spiritually unexamined. But the one who is spiritual takes time to examine things.[11]

Worldly people think they know what spiritual means but their incorrect spirituality leads them to be proud, selfish and divisive. Pride and worldly reasoning are opposed to spirituality. Pride is spiritual cancer - it eats up the very possibility of love, unity, contentment or even common sense.[12]

Wherever the Spirit is at work division vanishes and unity manifests. True living in the Spirit examines all things and aims to create unity, put others first, build others up, live a holy life, and speak the truth.[13]

We should strive for unity. There is great power in coming together for the greater good.[14]

So we all get to make a choice on what path we walk, and no two walks through this life are the same. Everyone has a unique spiritual journey.

Certain habits lead to spiritual development. Let’s explore those now…

The cornerstones of spiritual growth

Quiet time

Quiet time is a necessary step in the spiritual walk. Quiet time in silence and solitude is time meeting with God. Silence is getting quiet to listen for God. Solitude is setting aside a place where you and God can be alone together for your growth and refreshment. Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, John, Paul, all had much quiet time.

When we choose quiet time, something happens to us on the inside. A new calmness takes place as we receive a sense of God’s guidance, direction, protection, and provision. Once you experience that, you will have more strength to face the valleys of life.

Something also happens in our relationships: instead of expecting others to give, we have something to give. Our hearts become open to receive however little or much others can give. There is an awesome freedom and peace in being with others without demands.

The two pillars of quiet time are prayer and Bible study. Be determined and stay determined here. Determined quiet time is the opposite of occasional quiet time - it is practiced everyday without fail.[15]

Prayer

Pray regularly. Have a time and place. Pray for the things on your heart. God takes prayers not by number but by weight.[16]

My prayer to start each day (on knees, face down):
· Good morning Lord. Good morning Father. Good morning Abba. This is the day you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. [Deep breath]

· Thank you for this day Lord. Thank you for health and hope. Thank you for food clothing and shelter. Thank you for all your goodness and loving-kindness. I love you Lord. I love you Father. I love you Abba. [Deep breath; then Lord’s Prayer: Mt 6:9-13]

· Heavenly Father: please guide me this day. Be a lamp unto my feet and lead me on the right path. Help me to not run ahead or fall behind but to stay in step with your leading. Please give me wisdom and understanding, insight and discernment, strength and courage. Use me for your will and your good. May all I do glorify you. [Deep breath]

· Holy Spirit: come down and rest on me, fill me full of your presence so I may bear much fruit. Help me to grow in love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control. [Deep breath][17]

· My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: thank you for your life and words, your humility and service, your obedience and sacrifice. Help me to be more like you. Amen.

Reading

Read the right books.

· Read the Bible — it is life’s instruction manual and the foundation of all spiritual growth.[18]

· Read devotionals — for guided reflection, comfort, introspection, and inspiration. They will help you connect to God daily, and become more sensitive to spiritual things.[19]

· Read classical education — written by philosophers poets statesmen generals saints missionaries. They will teach you about courage sacrifice honor discipline and truth.[20]

For more reading ideas, see Books > Faith section →

Conscience

The conscience is an inner sense of right and wrong. It is God’s word written on every heart. Everyone has a conscience.[21]

For those who follow truth and do good their conscience becomes more sensitive, alert and energized. For those who deny truth and do wrong their conscience becomes seared, ineffective and ultimately dead.[22]

Sometimes the conscience goes against worldly laws and norms. It does not take the lower road of choosing the cold letter of the law. It takes the higher road of choosing warmth and compassion (even if worldly systems do not approve).[23]

The Spirit-filled life is not a life of don’ts, it is a life of dos. It is not about following a bunch of heartless law-filled don'ts, but rather choosing heart-filled dos. Life is best when one freely chooses the right motives, feelings and affections.[24]

Always listen to your conscience.

How to know if you’re on the right path

Hurry

Hurry is incompatible with spiritual growth. It is the great enemy of the spiritual life. Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.[25]

Stop being busy. Busyness cuts off your connection to God and others. Disconnect from screens and make time (whatever you can) for the things that make you feel good deep down. Make time to feed your soul.[26]

Slow down. Breathe. Be still. Listen. Read. Rest. Walk. Cook. Laugh. Fellowship with others. Create beautiful moments. Take delight in the simple things.

Peace

Peace is an inner settledness, a calm tranquility, that often defies human comprehension. It is a fruit of the Spirit and given to all who follow the Spirit. The absence or presence of peace is an indicator of whether you’re on the right spiritual path.[27]

Never move without peace, it is God’s warning system. If something doesn’t feel right, especially if you can’t put your finger on why - that feeling of foreboding or hesistancy may be God warning you. It may mean you are out of step with the Spirit. If you don't have peace about something, just don't do it.

Telling others “I don’t have peace about it” is a perfectly complete reason to give anyone for any decision you make. No further explanation is required.

Asking others “Can I sleep on it?” is a perfectly reasonable question. Don’t be afraid to tell someone before you make a decision that you need to sleep on it. Decisions made in haste can be costly. Sleeping on it and asking God for help (by giving you peace if it’s the right thing to do, or removing your peace if it’s the wrong thing to do) is a prudent thing to do. Pause, pray, and wait for the Spirit to lead you.[28]

The Word

The Word (the Bible) is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the mind of God on paper, and it teaches timeless principles that can be ignored but not broken.

It affirms you are deeply loved and accepted by God. It gives wisdom and encouragement. It will speak to you no matter where you are or what you face in life. Nobody ever outgrows the Word, the book widens and deepens with our years.[29]

The vigor of spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Word in one’s life and thoughts.[30]

Your spiritual growth depends on you studying the Bible. The amount of love, joy, and peace you reach in this life depends upon it.

Fruit

The fruit of the Spirit is love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control. And the marker of true spirituality is always love.[31]

In relationships, remember that the areas in which people are different provide the best opportunities to demonstrate unconditional love. Love shines brightest in the midst of our differences.[32]

Whatever gifts the Spirit gives someone, it is never meant to be used for personal gain alone, it is always meant to be used first and foremost for the common good of all.[33]

Fruitfulness may take time, but if you’re on the right path you will produce fruit. Be patient, stay strong, and do not grow weay in doing good. You will reap a harvest in time.[34]

In summary, we are all spiritual beings, and we all get to make a choice on what path we walk in this life.

The cornerstones of spiritual growth are regular quiet time, prayer, reading, and listening to your conscience.

You’re on the right path if over time you find yourself hurrying less, having more peace, studying the Word, and producing spiritual fruit.

Spiritual maturity is not a matter of doing more, it is a matter of producing fruit. While spiritual immaturity looks busy noisy and full of self-importance, spiritual maturity looks quietly content pursuing a life of humble service. It’s goal is fruit. All have gifts and talents, not all produce fruit.[35]

Developing spiritually is a process. It's a unique journey for everyone, that yields the sweetest fruit, so follow the promptings and be the person God is leading you to be.[36]

Books

. Paths to Power — Tozer · Grds Ama

. Mere Christianity — Lewis · Grds Ama

. The Spirit-Filled Life — Stanley · Grds Ama

. How to Listen to God — Stanley · Grds Ama

. The Release of the Spirit — Nee · Grds Ama

. The Spiritual Growth Bible — Anon. · Grds Ama

. How to Pray: A Simple Guide… — Greig · Grds Ama

. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — Comer · Grds Ama

Articles

. How to Develop More Peace

. How to Develop More Joy

. How to View Suffering — Coming soon!

. Health Master List