When I was growing up, my parents belonged to a church where most{not all} of the members were out of control. As a kid I could see it. What appeared to be holy (spiritual) on the outside was not so holy on the inside. Satan had a hold of so many members. They stuck to the church "rules" dressed appropriately, sang what they were supposed to, prayed how they were supposed to. They had a outward "spiritual" appearance. As I became of age I knew in my heart what I was accustomed to was not right. I had to establish my own "Godly" relationship with God...outside of that church. I wanted a relationship with God and not a religion. It may have took me longer then it should but eventually I learned how to have a relationship and not a spiritual religion.
What I learned from going to church as a kid; being spiritual about Christian things does not make you Godly. With all my heart I want to be Godly.
I am going to try and not be too wordy, because I will lose you. I feel that this is a topic some need to hear. With the world we live in today, we have come accustomed to leading Spiritual lifestyles. SO....
Let's define the two terms:
Spiritual: of or pertaining to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature: a spiritual approach to life.
A spiritual approach to life...ie: Church only on Sundays or maybe holidays. Partaking in Spiritual rituals. Tiffany also brought it to my attention that "Karma" is another example. What goes around comes around. That is spiritual thinking. Not to mention certain Spiritual "items" can become idols.
What does the bible say about idols? (an idol can be anything you put before God)
Exodus 20:1-15 ESV
And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, ...
Leviticus 26:1
“You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.
Godly: conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devout; pious. Conforming...talking with /to God daily. Being of good measure. Performing Gods work within your life. Being a witness. Living as is God was standing right beside you. He is after all. Remember that saying...what would Jesus do? Being Godly is performing your every day tasks with his guidance and will over your life.
After reading through the different definitions of Spiritual and Godly, where do you think you are? Where would you like to be?
The bible also talks about false prophets being deeply Spiritual and not Godly. My biggest fear is falling under the schemes of a false prophet. Someone who appears to be spiritual, but is lacking the godly integrity. How do we know?
By being of Godly character ourselves. Keeping that open communication with God. Daily prayer and devotions. Cross reference what you are being taught with the actual WORD of God.
Even a believer can pose as righteous and spiritual. It is up to us to seek out God and strive for that Godly relationship with the Lord. Being Spiritual is an outward show for all to see. Just as a Religion is thought to be. Being Godly is a relationship. Which is what God looks at on Judgment Day.
2 Cor 11:14-15 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
I think after growing up in the kind of Church that I did and seeing and hearing all the stuff that went on, it turned me sour to religion/God for quite some time. It wasn't until I was well into my adulthood that I sought after God for myself. I have learned to cross reference sermons with the actual word. Listen to what God is telling me and establish that Godly relationship that he desires us to have. I am far from being Godly, as I am human and sin. But I am not where I used to be. It took a bad experience for me to realize the difference between Spiritual and Godly. I pray that if you are stuck in a similar place or position as I was...you begin to really study the word and seek Gods face. He will give you the revelation that you need. He desires all your attention, your whole heart and wants to reward your for your faithful stewardship.
John 4:23 ESV
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
