If you’re asking this, I get it. Maybe you’re trying to figure out what spirituality even means. Maybe you’re comparing Christianity to other religions. Buddhism maybe, may be New Age, mysticism. And wondering if Christianity even fits into the spiritual category. Or maybe you just feel like something’s missing in your own faith, like there should be… more.
Yes, Christians are spiritual. But probably not in the way you’ve been taught to think about spirituality.
For a while, I thought being spiritual meant feeling something. Some deep, mystical awareness. Like, if I wasn’t having visions or experiencing unexplainable peace 24/7, was I even connected to God? I laugh at it now but I learned that real spirituality isn’t about chasing emotions or reaching some altered state of consciousness. It’s about the foundation, about actually knowing God, walking with Him daily, and letting that relationship shape everything.
That sounds preachy. I know but hey, facts are facts.
Maybe you’re wondering if faith should feel more spiritual. Maybe you’ve sat in church and thought, Is this it? Shouldn’t I feel something deeper? If so, you’re not alone. Christianity isn’t about blindly following rules or routines. It’s about connection. But that connection doesn’t always feel intense. Sometimes, it’s just steady. Quiet. And unseen.
Spirituality in Christianity isn’t about Tiktok rituals, backwoods mystical experiences, or witchy secret knowledge. It’s in the small choices. How you treat people when no one’s watching, the way you wrestle with doubt but choose faith anyway, the moments you pray even when it feels like God is silent.
And yeah, the world paints Christianity as rigid, all about rules and doctrines. It can be, sometimes but real Christianity? It’s transformative and dangerously personal. Yet, freeing. It’s alive and at work. It’s not about controlling God through Zen spiritual techniques; it’s about surrendering to Him and letting Him change you.
That holiness you only find in the bible.
So if you’re here, trying to make sense of all this, keep going. Keep seeking. Because spirituality isn’t about whether you feel something. It’s about whether you can learn to lean into God, trust Him, and let Him lead you deeper.
My Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
- Christian spirituality isn’t just knowing about God, it’s actually knowing Him. It’s a real relationship where His love and truth shape your thoughts, actions, and the way you love others.
- Spiritual growth isn’t a one-time experience, it’s a daily choice. Letting Jesus be at the center of your decisions, your habits, your heart. Staying aligned with His Word, even when it’s not easy.
- Real spirituality isn’t just belief, it’s how you live. It shows up in prayer, in time spent in Scripture, in worship, and in serving others with Christ’s love. That’s where faith moves from theory to reality.
I used to think being spiritual just meant chasing whatever felt meaningful, tarot, energy work, manifesting. If it seemed uplifting, I assumed it was good.
But looking back, I see how those practices weren’t leading me toward truth. They were pulling me further from it. What felt like guidance was really just me searching for control in places that couldn’t truly satisfy.
Everything changed when I let go, when I stopped relying on spiritual tools and actually surrendered to God. That’s when I finally understood what true spirituality is, not something I create, but something I receive from Him.
We ran a poll on Twitter asking, “Can Christians be spiritual?” Here’s how 106 people responded:
Total Respondents: 106
- “Yes” Votes: 85.8% (91 votes)
- “No” Votes: 2.8% (3 votes)
- “It depends” Votes: 11.3% (12 votes)
So, 85.8% said yes. That tells us something important, most people understand that spirituality isn’t just about religious rituals. It’s about a real connection with God. It’s about living out faith, listening to the Holy Spirit, and letting God lead.
Spirituality was never meant to be a checklist of rules. It’s about being real with God, seeking Him beyond routine, and allowing Him to transform your life.
Of course, 2.8% said no. It’s a small percentage, but it’s a reminder that not everyone sees faith and spirituality as the same thing. Some might think spirituality means something separate from God, or maybe they just aren’t sure how it all fits together.
Then there’s the 11.3% who said “It depends.” These people recognize that spirituality looks different for everyone. How we connect with God often depends on our personal journey, background, and struggles.
At the end of the day, this poll reflects a mix of perspectives, but one thing stands out… for most people, faith and spirituality go hand in hand. It’s not just about traditions, it’s about the heart, the relationship, and the truth that Jesus makes all the difference.
If you are interested in participating in our polls, please feel free to follow us on Twitter!
What Does Spirituality Mean in Christianity?
Christian spirituality isn’t just a belief system, it’s about knowing and walking with God through Jesus Christ. It’s about letting His truth shape how you live, not just following rules or traditions. True spirituality means being led by the Holy Spirit, aligning your life with biblical truth, and growing in your relationship with God every day (John 16:13).
Spiritual vs. Natural: What’s the Difference?
As a Christian, you’re called to be a spiritual person rather than a natural one. The spiritual person is led by God’s Spirit, empowering you to sincerely declare ‘Jesus is Lord’, while the natural person relies solely on human wisdom.” (Vaughan Roberts, Authentic Church: True Spirituality in a Culture of Counterfeits, 2012)
Scripture makes a distinction between a spiritual person and a natural person (1 Corinthians 2:14-15).
- A spiritual person is led by the Holy Spirit, seeking God’s will, prioritizing eternal truth, and allowing faith to shape their daily choices. Romans 8:14 affirms this: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
- A natural person relies solely on human wisdom, viewing life through a limited, earthly perspective. They may pursue personal success, material stability, or even spirituality on their own terms, but without the Spirit’s guidance, God’s truth remains unclear to them.
I get this on a deep level because I used to rely entirely on my own understanding, thinking I could navigate life with the right tools, practices, or sheer willpower. But the more I leaned into those things, the emptier I felt.
When I finally surrendered and let God’s Spirit guide me, everything changed. It wasn’t instant. It wasn’t easy. But it was real. Aligning with God’s will brought the clarity and peace I had been chasing in all the wrong places.
Even early Christians struggled with the temptation to separate spirituality from surrendering to Christ. That’s why the Nicene Creed (325 AD) affirmed that the Holy Spirit is not just a force or energy but the “Lord and Giver of Life”, actively working in believers to bring transformation.
Now, I see it clearly: Living by the Spirit is freedom. Relying on the natural? That’s a cycle that never truly satisfies.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Christian Spirituality
The Holy Spirit is essential to Christian spirituality. When you follow Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit to lead, empower, and transform you (John 14:26).
- The Spirit helps you understand Scripture, not just reading it but applying it to your life (1 Corinthians 2:12).
- It convicts and corrects, leading you toward righteousness and away from sin (John 16:8).
- The Spirit equips you with spiritual gifts, wisdom, faith, healing, prophecy, all meant to serve others and glorify God (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
- It also produces fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Many today talk about “spirituality” in broad, self-focused terms, as if it’s just about personal enlightenment or emotional peace. But biblical spirituality isn’t about seeking power or inner awakening, it’s about relationship. It’s about walking with God, being transformed by Him, and reflecting Christ in how we live.
The more you surrender to the Holy Spirit, the more your heart, thoughts, and actions start to reflect Jesus. That’s true spirituality, not just knowing about God, but actually walking with Him.
I came across this Reddit thread and appreciated the perspective shared about Christ’s love and its accessibility. It’s true, God’s love is profoundly transformative, and the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us.
That said, Jesus was not just a “cool dude” or an energy source, He is God incarnate (John 1:14). His divinity and personhood aren’t just theological details; they are the foundation of Christian faith. It’s not just His presence or teachings that bring us closer to God, it’s His sacrifice and resurrection that make reconciliation possible (John 14:6).
The Holy Spirit is indeed a gift to believers, sent to comfort, convict, and transform us (John 16:13). But Jesus’ identity is not secondary. Scripture makes it clear: His life, death, and resurrection matter. We don’t just draw from His essence, we enter into a relationship with Him as Lord and Savior. That’s where true spiritual fulfillment is found.
A lot of spiritual paths focus on internal exploration, but Christianity isn’t about chasing mystical experiences or self-power. Early Christians never viewed Jesus as just an enlightened teacher or cosmic force, from the beginning, He was worshiped as Lord. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) affirmed what the apostles already taught:
Jesus is fully God and fully man, not just a spiritual presence (Philippians 2:6-8).
Jesus Himself spoke about sending the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom within, but always in the context of relationship with Him. If this resonates, I encourage you to explore what Scripture actually says about who Jesus is. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just lead us to an abstract energy or enlightenment, He leads us to the living, personal God who calls us into relationship.
Spiritual Growth and Christian Faith
Spiritual growth and Christian faith go hand in hand. A strong, growing faith isn’t just about belief, it’s about transformation. It’s about embracing the gospel, deepening your relationship with Jesus, and allowing biblical spirituality to shape your everyday life.
Embracing the Gospel: The Starting Point of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth begins with accepting the gospel, the truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose again, and offers salvation to those who believe (Romans 10:9-10).
But this isn’t just a one-time decision, it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. When you place your faith in Jesus:
- You receive forgiveness and are reconciled with God (Ephesians 1:7).
- You step into a new way of living, guided by His love and grace (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Your priorities shift, aligning with eternal truths rather than temporary concerns.
That shift isn’t always easy. Growth often happens in the hard places, when faith is tested, when you feel stretched, when life forces you to depend on God instead of yourself. James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials produce perseverance, making us spiritually mature.
Even early Christians wrestled with this. In the face of persecution, uncertainty, and hardship, they had to hold onto the truth that spiritual growth isn’t about comfort, it’s about becoming more like Christ.
Building a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Christianity isn’t just about knowing who Jesus is, it’s about knowing Him personally. A growing relationship with Christ means spending time with Him, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him (John 15:5).
In this intimate connection, you don’t lose your unique self; rather, you enter into a ‘spiritual’ union with Christ that redefines your identity through His transformative love.” (Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, Understanding Christian Theology, 2003, 963)
Here’s how you can nurture this relationship:
- Regular prayer. Talking to God, listening, and seeking His guidance (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
- Studying Scripture. Understanding His Word and applying it to your life (Psalm 119:105).
- Worship & praise. Expressing gratitude and surrendering to His presence.
- Seeking His direction. In daily decisions, both big and small.
The more time you spend with Jesus, the more He transforms your heart, your mindset, and your actions. Spiritual growth isn’t about instant change, it’s about consistent, faithful steps toward Him.
And yes, there will be seasons of struggle. You may feel distant. You may question if you’re growing at all. Even the disciples had moments of doubt. But relationships take time. Trust that God is still working, even when you don’t feel it (Philippians 1:6).
Biblical Spirituality in Everyday Life
Spiritual growth isn’t confined to Sunday services or Bible studies, it’s meant to shape every aspect of your life, every aspect of your existence, whether you’re engaging in prayer at home or expressing your God-given creativity through painting, demonstrating that true spirituality can be woven into even the most unexpected activities. (Mark Maulding, God’s Best-Kept Secret: Christianity Is Easier than You Think, 2017)
Early Christians didn’t just talk about faith, they lived it. They met daily to pray, share meals, and serve others (Acts 2:42-47). Their faith wasn’t compartmentalized, it was woven into everything they did.
Start by weaving spiritual disciplines into your daily routine:
- Daily Bible reading. Feeding your soul with God’s Word.
- Prayer & reflection. Staying in constant communication with Him.
- Fasting. Strengthening your reliance on God.
- Serving others/ Reflecting Christ’s love in action.
Spirituality isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about action. It’s about how you love, serve, and respond to challenges. It’s in how you treat others, how you make decisions, and how you carry yourself in the world.
When faith moves from something you believe to something you live, that’s where true spiritual growth happens.
As I kept reading through the Reddit thread, one comment really stood out.
The idea of exploring Jesus’ teachings outside traditional religious frameworks, focusing on His “true teachings” and the concept of Christ-consciousness within, reflects a real desire for authenticity and deeper meaning. I get it. A lot of people today want spirituality without the “rules” of organized religion. They want the wisdom of Jesus without the weight of institutional baggage.
Books like The Yoga of Jesus by Paramahansa Yogananda and The Real Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ by Sri Kaleshwar try to present Jesus’ message as a universal spiritual path rather than one rooted in biblical faith. But Jesus wasn’t just an enlightened teacher or a symbol of divine energy. He is God incarnate.
It’s a common misconception that Christianity is all about dogma, empty rituals, or restrictive traditions. But Jesus never taught a detached, impersonal spirituality. His message was about relationship, not just enlightenment. He didn’t call people to discover a vague “Christ-consciousness” within themselves, He called them to follow Him (John 14:6).
The Bible, often dismissed as outdated or restrictive, is actually the clearest source for understanding Jesus’ identity, both His divinity and His humanity. Scripture doesn’t present Him as a mystical energy but as the Word made flesh, dwelling among us (John 1:14). Early Christians understood this, which is why, from the beginning, Jesus was worshiped as Lord, not just a teacher (Colossians 2:8-9).
This is why biblical discernment matters. There’s a real danger in reinterpreting Jesus through Eastern mysticism or modern spiritual ideals, it shifts the focus from God’s truth to personal enlightenment. But Jesus never told us to seek truth within ourselves, He told us to abide in Him (John 15:5).
That’s why I encourage you to weigh everything against Scripture. If Jesus is who He says He is, detaching from His words isn’t the path to freedom, living them out is.
My prayer is that you’ll discover the deep, fulfilling relationship with God that He desires for you, not through spiritual shortcuts, but through the fullness of His wisdom, love, and grace.
Practices of Christian Spirituality
Christian spirituality isn’t just what you believe, it’s how you live. Faith grows when it’s nurtured, and the habits you develop will either strengthen or weaken your relationship with God. Spiritual disciplines aren’t about checking off a religious to-do list, they’re about making space for God to shape you, guide you, and transform you.
The Power of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer is foundational to the Christian life. It’s not about rehearsed words or perfect phrasing, it’s about authentic connection with God. Whether it’s whispered in desperation, spoken in gratitude, or journaled in quiet reflection, prayer is where relationship happens.
Some prayers are long, intentional, and structured. Others? Quick, messy, and right in the middle of life’s chaos. The good news? God hears both.
I used to think my prayers had to sound a certain way, like the ones I’d heard in church growing up. But some of the most powerful moments I’ve had with God weren’t polished, they were raw, unfiltered conversations in the middle of my doubt, frustration, or confusion.
Fasting is another powerful discipline. It’s not about religious obligation, it’s about focus. When you fast, you step away from distractions, whether food, social media, or anything else that competes for your attention, to realign your heart with God (Matthew 6:16-18).
Some people fast to seek clarity. Others fast as an act of surrender. Many combine prayer and fasting for deeper spiritual renewal. Keeping a prayer journal can also help you track God’s responses and reflect on how He’s working in your life. Whatever approach you take, consistency matters.
Fellowship & Discipleship: Growing in Community
I used to think I could grow spiritually on my own, just me and God. I convinced myself that faith was personal, and while that’s true in some ways, I didn’t realize how much I was missing.
When I finally stepped into community, everything shifted. Joining a small group was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about studying the Bible, it was about seeing faith lived out in real, messy, everyday life.
Christianity was never meant to be a solo journey. Scripture makes it clear that fellowship is essential.
- Church services root you in worship and biblical teaching.
- Small groups & Bible studies provide encouragement, accountability, and deeper discussions.
- Discipleship & mentorship help you grow by learning from those who have walked this path longer.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Faith grows in community, through conversations, shared struggles, and learning from one another.
Serving together also strengthens fellowship bonds. Whether through volunteering, mission work, or simply helping a neighbor, putting faith into action deepens spiritual maturity.
Looking back, I can see how much God used those relationships to grow me in ways I never could have managed on my own. Encouragement when I was struggling. Accountability when I needed it. People speaking life over me when I doubted myself. God moves through His people.
The Impact of Grace and Faith in the Christian Journey
Grace and faith aren’t just theological concepts, they shape everything about your spiritual walk. Grace is God’s gift to you, and faith is how you respond. Together, they transform your life, guide your choices, and deepen your relationship with Him.
Paul’s Teachings on Grace: A Gift You Can’t Earn
Paul’s letters make it clear (books of the bible written by Paul), grace is unearned. It’s God’s free gift, not a reward for effort (Ephesians 2:8-9). That truth was revolutionary in his time because many Jewish believers still thought following the Mosaic Law could bring salvation. But Paul refuted that idea, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith alone, not by works.
I’ve wrestled with this. I thought I had to prove myself to God, to do enough, be good enough, somehow earn His approval. But Paul’s words hit differently when I finally let them sink in:
- Grace saves you. You don’t have to work for what Jesus has already secured.
- Grace empowers you. It strengthens you when you feel weak, guiding you when you’re lost.
- Grace sustains you. It keeps you anchored in God’s love, even when you feel unworthy.
Romans 5:1-2 puts it plainly: “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
That truth frees you from striving. You don’t have to earn God’s love, you already have it. And when you really grasp that? It changes everything.
Faith In Our Modern World
Faith isn’t just what you believe, it’s how you live.
There’s so much pressure today to keep faith private, to make it a personal thing, something you believe quietly but don’t actually act on. But real faith isn’t passive, it moves. It’s visible in how you love, serve, and make decisions.
Living out faith in the modern world calls on believers not only to nurture their own growth but also to serve as a guiding light. A royal priesthood tasked with leading others to God and making disciples through both word and example. (Allan Moseley, Exalting Jesus in Leviticus, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, 2015, 193)
James 2:17 says it outright: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Faith that never moves isn’t faith, it’s just an idea.
Ways to actively live out your faith:
- Prayer & reflection. Staying connected to God daily.
- Acts of kindness & service. Living out love in action.
- Studying Scripture. Letting His truth shape your mindset and choices.
- Faith in community. Growing with and learning from other believers.
Up until very recently, I thought faith was just believing the right things. That as long as I had my personal relationship with God, I was fine. But the more I leaned into prayer, serving others, and staying rooted in Scripture, the more I saw faith shaping my daily life.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
Even the smallest acts, choosing kindness when it’s hard, making the right decision when it costs you, staying firm in your faith when the world pushes back, matter more than you think.
So here’s a challenge: What’s one way you can live out your faith today?
Because faith comes alive when it’s lived out.
Attributes and Fruits of Spiritual Life
Spiritual growth in Christianity isn’t about self-improvement or just being a “good person”, it’s about transformation through Christ. The more you walk with Him, the more your character reflects His. This happens through spiritual disciplines, godly character development, and the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.
In this discussion, it’s important to note that ‘spiritual’ isn’t used to create subcategories among Christians. Rather, it distinguishes those who are actively transformed by God’s Spirit from non-believers, affirming that every true Christian bears the mark of genuine spirituality. (Jay E. Adams, “How to Teach Biblical Counseling: A Manual for Trainers and Trainees: Foreword, Chapters 1–3,” The Journal of Modern Ministry 8.1, 2011, 16)
Cultivating Godliness and Christ-like Character
Godliness doesn’t happen overnight, it’s something you intentionally cultivate. 1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us:
“Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Just like physical exercise strengthens your body, spiritual disciplines strengthen your faith. These habits aren’t about checking off religious boxes, they’re about staying rooted in Christ.
- Prayer. Talking with God, not just when you need something, but as a daily connection.
- Bible Study. Letting Scripture shape your mindset and choices.
- Fellowship. Growing alongside other believers, because faith isn’t meant to be lived in isolation.
- Serving Others. Putting love into action through acts of kindness and generosity.
For a long time, I thought spiritual growth was about doing more, praying more, studying more, making sure I was getting it all right. But the more I tried to control my spiritual progress, the more frustrated I became. It wasn’t until I stopped striving and started surrendering that I saw real growth.
Spiritual maturity isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Some days, you’ll feel strong in faith. Other days? You’ll wonder if you’ve grown at all. But every small step forward counts. When you choose patience over frustration, honesty over convenience, or love over bitterness, that’s growth. Celebrate those moments.
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Evidence of a Transformed Life
Spiritual growth isn’t about trying harder, it’s about abiding in Christ. Jesus makes this clear in John 15:5:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
This is where the Fruit of the Spirit comes in (Galatians 5:22-23). These aren’t personality traits you develop on your own, they are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in you:
- Love. Loving others selflessly, even when it’s inconvenient.
- Joy. Remaining steady, even when life doesn’t go your way.
- Peace. Trusting God, even when things don’t make sense.
- Patience. Responding with grace, even when waiting feels unbearable.
- Kindness & Goodness. Choosing compassion over criticism.
- Faithfulness. Staying committed, even when it’s easier to quit.
- Gentleness. Leading with humility, not pride.
- Self-Control. Choosing God’s way over momentary desires.
But here’s something important: These fruits aren’t separate traits, they work together as signs of spiritual maturity.
The longest time, I thought I had to force myself to be more patient or joyful. But what I’ve learned is that real change happens when I surrender. The closer I walk with God, the more He produces these qualities in me.
If you’re struggling to see these fruits in your life, ask yourself “Am I truly yielding to the Holy Spirit, or am I still trying to control everything myself?”
Living It Out: A Practical Challenge
Growing in godliness and bearing spiritual fruit doesn’t happen by accident, it takes intentionality. So here’s a challenge:
- This week, choose one Fruit of the Spirit to intentionally practice. Whether it’s patience in a difficult situation, kindness to someone who frustrates you, or joy in a challenging moment, be mindful of how you can live out your faith in a real, tangible way.
Tried Everything but Still Searching?
Christians often ponder the intersection of faith and spirituality. Many seek to understand how biblical teachings relate to personal spiritual experiences and practices within their religious framework. Have more questions? Here’s more answers!
Can I be a devote Christian and still believe in spiritual things?
Absolutely. Being a Christian is deeply spiritual but your spiritual beliefs must align with God’s Word. Christianity and spirituality aren’t opposites. They only come into conflict when spiritual beliefs start replacing, twisting, or contradicting biblical truth.
Biblical Spirituality vs. Worldly Spirituality
The Bible is clear, there’s one true God, and there’s one way to Him, through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Any spirituality that pulls you away from that truth isn’t spiritual freedom—it’s spiritual deception.
A lot of modern spirituality focuses on self-worship, seeking power, or engaging in practices that feel empowering but actually open doors to influences that are not of God. Not all supernatural power comes from God—and that’s why discernment is so crucial.
There’s divine power—the power of the Holy Spirit.
And then there’s counterfeit power—supernatural forces that lead people away from God.
Practices like tarot, astrology, or calling on spirits outside of the Holy Spirit may seem enlightening, but they don’t draw from God’s power. Scripture warns against this:
“Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
I used to think spirituality was about “tapping into something bigger”—whether that was manifesting, energy work, or seeking hidden knowledge. I genuinely believed these things could help me grow, heal, and find clarity. But what I didn’t realize at the time was how much they were pulling me away from relying on God.
True spirituality isn’t about tools, rituals, or self-empowerment. It’s about relationship—a real, life-changing connection with the living God through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. That’s where freedom, peace, and clarity come from.
Christianity Is Already Deeply Spiritual
If you’re a Christian, you don’t need to look outside of your faith for spirituality, it’s already built in.
- You have the Holy Spirit – guiding, teaching, and convicting you (Romans 8:14).
- You have access to God’s presence – through prayer and worship.
- You have spiritual gifts – meant to serve and strengthen the Body of Christ.
- You have God’s Word – the foundation of truth and discernment.
Christianity isn’t just believing in something spiritual—it’s being rooted in Someone unshakable.
So yes, be spiritual. But be discerning. Let every belief, every practice, and every experience line up with Scripture. That’s where you’ll find truth, freedom, and lasting peace.
What does the Bible say about being spiritual?
The Bible speaks a lot about spirituality—but not in the way the world defines it. Being spiritual isn’t about rituals, energy work, or tapping into cosmic forces. True spirituality is about walking with the Holy Spirit and staying connected to God through Jesus Christ.
Biblical Spirituality: Walking by the Spirit
A great place to start is Galatians 5:16-25, where Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit:
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:16, 22-23)
Real spirituality isn’t about chasing mystical experiences or hidden knowledge. It’s about letting the Holy Spirit transform your life from the inside out. The depth of your spirituality isn’t measured by how many supernatural encounters you have—it’s seen in how your character, mindset, and daily actions reflect Christ.
I used to think spirituality meant seeking deeper wisdom, connecting with unseen energies, or finding hidden knowledge. I thought it was about expanding consciousness and becoming more “enlightened.” But the deeper I went, the more I realized I was constantly searching but never finding real peace.
It wasn’t until I let go of my own ideas of spirituality and surrendered to God that I understood what it really meant to be spiritual. It’s not about striving for personal power. It’s about surrendering to God’s power.
The Bible’s Answer to Spirituality: Be Spirit-Led, Not Self-Led
So, what does the Bible actually say about being spiritual?
- True spirituality is about knowing God, not just knowing about Him.
- It’s about being transformed by the Holy Spirit, not chasing spiritual highs.
- It’s about walking in truth, not being led by emotions or trends.
Spirituality without Jesus might look powerful, but it’s empty. Stay rooted in God’s Word, test everything against Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit lead you. That’s where real spiritual freedom is found.
Are there examples of spirituality in the Bible?
The Bible is full of examples of spirituality, real spirituality rooted in a relationship with God, guided by His Spirit. Let me break it down.
1. Walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25)
Paul talks about living by the Spirit as a daily reality. It’s not about rituals or external practices but letting the Holy Spirit lead every decision, action, and thought. The result? The fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. That’s what biblical spirituality looks like: life transformation.
2. Spiritual Discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14-15)
This passage shows that true spiritual understanding comes from the Holy Spirit. Without Him, spiritual truths don’t make sense. It’s not about tapping into “energies” or personal enlightenment; it’s about God opening your eyes to His wisdom.
3. Prayer and Connection with God (Psalm 42:1)
David’s words, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God,” show what spiritual hunger looks like. Prayer isn’t just talking to God; it’s the deepest kind of connection with Him.
4. Worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23-24)
When Jesus told the Samaritan woman that God desires worshippers who worship in spirit and truth, He defined spirituality. It’s not about where or how, it’s about a heart aligned with God’s truth and filled with His Spirit.
5. Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12)
The Holy Spirit gives believers spiritual gifts for building up the church, wisdom, faith, healing, prophecy, and others. These gifts aren’t for personal gain but for glorifying God and serving others.
6. Jesus’ Teachings on the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Counselor, and the one who leads us into all truth. Spirituality, according to Jesus, starts with knowing and relying on the Holy Spirit.
7. Fasting and Seeking God (Matthew 6:16-18)
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that refocuses our attention on God. Jesus taught that it’s not about outward appearances but an inward hunger for Him.
The Bible’s examples of spirituality always point back to God. It’s not about self or manipulating spiritual forces, it’s about submission, relationship, and transformation through the Holy Spirit. Anything outside of that risks becoming spiritual noise.
Biblical spirituality is about staying rooted in God’s truth, led by His Spirit, and focused on His glory. Anything less is a counterfeit.
How is Christian spirituality different from just practicing Christianity as a religion?
Christian spirituality and Christian religion overlap, but they’re not the same thing. Think of it like this: religion is the framework, but spirituality is the connection.
Religion is about the outward structure. It’s the practices, traditions, and disciplines that guide how we live out our faith. Think going to church, reading the Bible, prayer routines, all good things when rooted in truth. But here’s the catch: you can do all of that and still miss God if your heart’s not in it (Isaiah 29:13).
Christian spirituality is deeper. It’s about the inner relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. It’s not just knowing about Jesus; it’s walking with Him daily. It’s when prayer isn’t just words but connection. When reading the Bible isn’t just a habit but life-giving truth. It’s the transformation that happens when your faith moves from your head to your heart.
Here’s an example: the Pharisees in the Bible were religious. They followed the rules, knew the Scriptures, and looked the part. But Jesus called them out because their hearts were far from God (Matthew 23:27-28). They had religion but not spirituality.
True Christian spirituality is always tied to Jesus. It’s living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and letting Him shape your life. It’s aligning your heart with God’s Word and living out your faith with love, humility, and truth.
Religion without spirituality is empty. Spirituality without the foundation of Christ is dangerous. But when the two work together, faithful practices built on a real relationship with God, that’s where you find life. That’s the difference.
Why does spirituality matter so much in the Christian faith?
Spirituality is at the core of the Christian faith because it’s all about relationship. Christianity isn’t just a set of beliefs or a list of rules to follow, it’s a daily, living connection with God through the Holy Spirit. Without that connection, faith can become hollow, just going through the motions.
The Bible makes this clear. In John 4:23-24, Jesus said true worship is done in spirit and in truth. That means it’s not about rituals or locations, it’s about your heart being aligned with God and led by His Spirit. Spirituality keeps your faith alive and real.
Paul also talks about living by the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-25. He lays out the difference between walking in the flesh (our sinful nature) and walking in the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, and so on, is the evidence of a spiritually connected life. You can’t fake that. It’s not something religion alone can produce. It comes from God working in you.
Spirituality is important because it reminds us that Christianity is more than head knowledge, it’s heart transformation. Jesus didn’t die just to give us a new set of beliefs. He died so we could be reconciled to God, filled with His Spirit, and empowered to live for Him.
But here’s the key: Christian spirituality must always be rooted in God’s truth. The enemy loves to twist spirituality into something self-centered or detached from Scripture. That’s why discernment is so critical. True spirituality is always grounded in God’s Word and led by His Spirit.Without spirituality, faith becomes dry. Without biblical truth, spirituality becomes dangerous. The Christian life thrives when those two work together: a vibrant relationship with God that’s anchored in His Word. That’s why spirituality isn’t just important, it’s essential.
