What Does a Truly Spiritual Person Look Like?
An abstract of Jim Congdon’s sermon on December 1, 2024, in the Galatians series. Watch the sermon video here.
Have you ever wondered what it really means to be a spiritual person? It's not about perfect behavior or looking better than everyone else. In fact, being truly spiritual is all about how you treat others and yourself.
Helping Those Who Have Fallen
Imagine someone you know has made a mistake. A truly spiritual person doesn't gossip, judge, or shame them. Instead, they help that person get back on track - gently and carefully. It's like helping a friend who's gotten stuck in a trap. You don't criticize them for wandering off the path. You help them get free.
The Bible says a spiritual person restores others with gentleness. This means:
Approaching people with kindness
Not looking down on them
Helping them without putting yourself at risk
Being careful not to get pulled into the same mistakes
Carrying Each Other's Burdens
Life can be tough. We all carry heavy loads - sometimes they're physical, sometimes emotional, sometimes spiritual. A truly spiritual person doesn't just say "good luck" and walk away. They step in and help.
Think about a team of friends who support each other. Like the football team where players shaved their heads to support a teammate fighting cancer. That's what carrying each other's burdens looks like. It's showing up. It's being present. It's helping someone through their hardest moments.
But there's a catch - you can't help others if you think you're too important. Real spiritual people are humble. They understand that helping others is more important than looking good or feeling superior.
Looking in the Mirror
Being spiritual isn't about comparing yourself to others. It's about honestly looking at yourself. Think of it like a personal check-up. Are you growing? Are you improving? Are you becoming a better version of yourself?
The Bible suggests we should examine our own actions. Not to beat ourselves up, but to help ourselves grow. It's like preparing for a big test by taking practice quizzes along the way.
Remembering Those Who Teach You
Spiritual people also appreciate those who have taught them. This might be a pastor, a mentor, or someone who has helped you understand faith better. It's about showing gratitude and support for those who guide you.
What Does This Mean for You?
Being spiritual isn't about being perfect. It's about:
Helping others kindly
Supporting friends through tough times
Being humble
Honestly examining yourself
Showing gratitude to those who help you grow
It's a journey. Some days you'll do great, other days you'll mess up. And that's okay. The important thing is to keep trying, keep learning, and keep growing.
A Final Thought
True spirituality is less about following strict rules and more about showing love. It's about helping others, carrying their burdens, and growing together.
Are you ready to start this journey? Check out our Galatians series sermon videos.