Examine Yourselves

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5

Write something upon Spirituality, Albert, it is the one thing we need.” Such were the words of one of our veteran brethren, when we met during a trip north in the New Year. They have since been the subject of quiet reflection; many times has the mind pondered over the thought expressed in these words. Did the brother correctly describe the situation when he declared that, as a body, we were lacking in this particular? Can it be that we who have received the knowledge of the Truth, which makes us free – that we may be free indeed – have need to be told, by one who has watched the growth and progress of the One Body for almost half a century that

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“Spirituality is the one thing we need;” that it is conspicuous by absence rather than by the fruits thereof? The remark is worthy of our attention, for it was made by one who is cognizant of our affairs. Nor should we be fretted when one comes forward and frankly tells us that we need to bestir ourselves if we would attain to the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus, especially when we are persuaded that our informant is one whose heart’s desire to God for his people is that they might be saved. Albert Hall, “Meditations #3,”

Christadelphian Advocate, August 1910

What is spirituality? By lexicographers it is defined to be: “intellectual nature; spiritual nature; spiritual state of the mind.” Spiritual, among other things, is defined as “not sensual; in reference to the spirit.” The Greek, pneumatikos, signifies: “belonging to” or “of the spirit.”

Albert Hall, “Meditations #3,” Christadelphian Advocate, August

1910

“Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of their being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop an individual's inner life; such practices often lead to an experience of connectedness with a larger reality, yielding a more comprehensive self; with other individuals or the human community; with nature or the cosmos; or with the divine realm. Spirituality is often experienced as a source of inspiration or orientation in life…

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Traditionally, religions have regarded spirituality as an integral aspect of religious experience. Many do still equate spirituality with religion, but declining membership of organized religions and the growth of secularism in the western world has given rise to a broader view of spirituality…For a Christian, to refer to him or herself as "more spiritual than religious" may imply relative deprecation of rules, rituals, and tradition…”

Wikipedia, “Spirituality”

Now that we are comfortable with the idea of being spiritual as opposed to devoutly Christian,” Barna pointed out, “Americans typically draw from a broad treasury of moral, spiritual and ethical sources of thought to concoct a uniquely personal brand of faith. Feeling freed from the boundaries established by the Christian faith, and immersed in a postmodern society which revels in participation, personal expression, satisfying relationships, and authentic experiences, we become our own unchallenged spiritual authorities, defining truth and reality as we see fit… Most self-identified Christians are comfortable with the idea that the Bible and the sacred books from non-Christian religions all teach the same truths and principles.

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Consequently, more and more people are engaged in hybrid faiths, mixing elements from different historical eras and divergent theological perspectives,” Barna stated. “In some ways, we are creating the ultimate ecumenical movement, where nothing is deemed right or wrong, and all ideas, beliefs and practices are assigned equal validity. Everyone is invited to join the dialogue, enjoy the ride, and feel connected to a far-reaching community of believers. Screening or critiquing what that community believes is deemed rude and inappropriate. Pragmatism and relativism, rather than any sort of absolutism, has gained momentum.”

Year-in-Review Perspective on Religion, Barna Group, 2010

If any man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge…the commandments of the Lord

1 Corinthians 14:37

I Peter 2:5 - Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ

I Corinthians 2:14 - The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Romans 8:6 - To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  

We profess to have the fellowship of the Spirit, do our ecclesias function as lightstands - brilliantly reflecting the Truth and glory of God? Are our assemblies, our worship, the partaking of the memorials; our Bible classes; our Sunday schools conducted with the decorum which becometh saints? Perhaps in this matter the indictment of our brother is true; that sobriety which is characteristic of "holiness of truth" is not always seen where it ought to be in evidence.

Albert Hall

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ 1 Corinthians 11:1

1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. 3For even Christ pleased not himself…5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus

Romans 15

24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

2 Timothy 2:24-25

And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

Job 42 :7-8

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:10

“When a man knows his faults, disowns them and struggles against them, his friends bear with him more easily than if he offends regularly in a line of things of which he is not aware. In his ignorance, he supposes himself perfectly acceptable, while all the time it may be he is making it the hardest work in the world to endure him. We are probably not far wrong in supposing that this is how it is with our imperfect selves toward God, and that there is a special meaning in the declaration that He ‘hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.’ continue

How often may we grieve Him by our want of perfect loyalty: by our forgetfulness of Him: by our failure in meekness and gentleness and mercy; by the weakness of our love, the poverty of our worship, the feebleness of our service – while all the time, perhaps, we think the Laodicean thought that we are spiritually ‘rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing,’ and highly acceptable in His sight.”

Robert Roberts, Law of Moses, Ch.25

Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Malachi 3:16-17