The One Who is truly spiritual in the church is the Holy Spirit. The moment an individual attempts to be “spiritual,” he enters into the realm of the flesh. The instant a person wants the reputation of being spiritual; he enters into the realm of pride. The second he makes an attempt at being spiritual, he departs from walking in the Spirit and enters into the dominion of the flesh. The desire for titles and labels fall under the category of the pride of life (see 1 John 2:15-16). It is a very slippery slope.
Doing things to appear spiritual are actually dead works. They are of no value because they are not based on love (1Corinthians 13:1-3). Furthermore, the intent has nothing to do with glorifying God, even thought the individual may say it is for His glory. Ironically, dead works are independent acts done by the individual in the name of being “led of the Spirit.” They are done in accordance to what he thinks is spiritual. True spirituality requires humility and submission. We all must humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and submit to the will of the Father. In turn, He will guide us by His Holy Spirit. It is when we are led of the Spirit that we are truly spiritual.
Some people wear themselves out by trying to be spiritual. Trying to maintain outer appearances and doing all kinds of things on their own lead them to burnout and poor health. In the end, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, all their work will burn because it was wood, hay and stubble (see Romans 14:10-12; 1Corinthians 3:10-15). There comes a time in every believer’s life when he or she must stop what he or she is doing, and simply wait on the Lord. It is from a position of rest that a person is able to walk in the Spirit. Consider Hebrews 4:10-11: For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (KJV). Our labor is simply believing God, and responding accordingly.
