True Spirituality

In Spirit Renewal by Rachel Schultz

True Spirituality

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“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than going to a garage makes you an automobile.”

–Billy Sunday

Some people equate spirituality with going to church. They assume that if one goes to church he or she must be “right with God.” Why else would they go? Unfortunately, this very thinking is what keeps many people from going to church. They reason that church is only for those who “have it together.” If that were really the case, no one would be eligible to attend. The only specimens of Christianity who are finished with their journey are asleep in their graves. Everyone else is on the guerrilla-besieged battlefield of life. Actually, churches are more like hospitals than country clubs. They exist to administer healing and encouragement to those who are ravaged and broken.

Whoever came up with the idea that churches should be spiritual utopias needs to re-connect with reality. Of course we should expect to find more good than evil in churches, but we should not be surprised to also find evil lurking through its halls and board rooms.

In his book, Swimming Against the Current, author, Chris Blake says, “‘Going to church’ is primarily important because it enables us to become better lovers in realms where people can be reached. The week doesn’t prepare us for the Sabbath as much as the Sabbath prepares us for the week.” In other words, true spirituality is not defined by what happens inside the walls of a church as much as by what happens when we leave it. Do we treat our families, co-workers and strangers with compassion and mercy? Do we stand up for justice whenever we can?

“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.” Micah 6:8 (The Message)

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Comments by Rich DuBose. BetterSermons © 2009. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject tousage guidelines | View main index 

1. Swimming Against the Current, Chris Blake, Pacific Press. 2007, p. 54.