Who Are You - in SPIRIT?
Over the last few weeks, Monday Meditations has been covering the topic of our identity as Corpath members and exploring who we are as we pursue excellence in business, life and spirit as we bring glory to God.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Galatians 5:22-23
A few years ago, I was having a discussion with a colleague about our faith perspective. We talked about our thoughts regarding Christianity as it relates to the world today and how we see our faith interacting with every part of our life on a regular basis. We talked about how some believers have had an intense spiritual conversion from a hard life of sin that transformed into a life of spiritual significance as they chose to follow God. We also talked about the idea of those who have not had such a profound change because they may have had a very guarded and intentional upbringing that was already founded on Christian beliefs. He made the comment to me, “You weren’t born-again, you were born-into.” It was his way of saying that, because of being raised in the church all my life, I didn’t really understand the true meaning of the Christian concept of being born-again. Interesting thought.
We see ourselves as PHYSICAL beings. We have bodies that grow, develop and change. We are EMOTIONAL. Our feelings are used to direct our paths and decisions. We have an INTELLECT. We think, reason, strategize and have the ability to reflect on past experiences as a way to help inform and direct towards a better future. People see and interact with us based on these three elements of our identity, mostly because these are the parts that we willingly show them. People quickly recognize us by these things. But, what about our SPIRITUAL selves? Can others identify us by our “spiritual nature” as well?
Q: What does it mean to have a spiritual identity? Before reading any further, take a moment and try to find the words to help describe what a “spiritual identity” is to you.
It’s easy for us to see ourselves in the earthly sense; physical, emotional, and mental. These are the parts we work to manage regularly. We try to manage and maintain ourselves physically. We strive to control ourselves emotionally. We work to stimulate and challenge ourselves mentally. These are done, mostly, for our good. Taking care of ourselves in these ways tends to first benefit us personally.
Adding a spiritual component to our identity encourages a transformation that was once fixed on “self” to become concentrated on “others”.
Let’s unpack this concept in this way…
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts gives us insight into how spiritual gifts are unique to each of us. However, these gifts emanate from God and are to be used to serve others.
He says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (NLT)
We shouldn’t be thinking about spiritual gifts as something we have, but rather as something we are meant to give. God’s intent is for us to be used to help each other in ways that only we can.
In another letter to the Galatians, Paul identifies the fruits (results) of living a life that gives our spiritual gifts to others. Read this passage slowly…
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23)
When we live our lives in a way that aligns with God’s plan for us, and as we support others by using the spiritual gifts He has given us, we gain an identity that is easily recognizable by others. They see our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. as easily as recognizing our faces. Our spiritual identity speaks loudly and directs others to seek the source of all things good, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Q: Do others see and recognize you by your “spirit-identity”? What spiritual gifts have been given to you that are meant to be given away to others? What can you do to act with more intentionality in this area this week?
Prayer:
God, I praise You for being the provider of all things. I pause right now to express my gratitude for the spiritual gifts of _________________ that You have given me. I pray that I would not hide them away for my enjoyment, but rather give them away generously and without reservation to others. This week, let my gifts be a blessing to others and lead them to seek a deeper relationship with You. Amen.
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
