Today we finish our overview of the spiritual life and the five areas we need to focus on if we want to see consistent progress in Christlikeness.
Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as as follower of Jesus. The spiritual battles we face are real. The battles of the future will require you to be growing and trusting God even more than you do today. Your spiritual life, Is your life. We may try to break it into different parts to better understand it and to apply intentional efforts to grow and change, but our life is unified in Christ. Everything matters.
Mental Life – Mental life includes emotional, psychological, and social aspects. It is how we think, feel, and act, and determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Includes education.
Physical Life – From conception to our last breathe we are physical beings. We don’t have control over much of our physical life but our choices do influence our health and ability. Exercise and diet are key.
Relational Life – Humans are interconnected. The family and community play an important role in our lives. Humans are meant to connect with others on a personal and emotional level and strong, fulfilling relationships help people build and maintain emotional health. We need people. Mentors, coworkers, friends.
Emotional Life – There are many types of emotional skills (aka emotional intelligence). These skills: like emotion regulation, gratitude, empathy, and kindness — help you relate better to others and yourself. Feelings don’t lead us but they do impact us greatly.
Physical Health – Humans are interconnected. The family and community play an important role in our lives. Humans are meant to connect with others on a personal and emotional level and strong, fulfilling relationships help people build and maintain emotional health. We need people. Mentors, coworkers, friends.
Spiritual Life – The life lived in Jesus, in communion with God.
Basics – prayer, spiritual community, bible knowledge. Or three areas of spirituality – doctrine, affection (love) and experience.
1. 1 Peter 2:2-5 –
Our desire is to know Him and His Word. – Mental Health
We know Who we are. We believe what He says about us. Our Identity is settled. –Mental and Emotional Health
We are growing, maturing and our life glorifies God. – All areas affected as we grow and mature, becoming more like Jesus.
We are part of His family, a priesthood that serves Him. – Relational Health
Our actions are in line with our faith. – Whole life
2. Col. 2:6-10 –
Our actions matter every day.
Our faith is settled and we build on it.
Faith is vibrant, alive and leads us to Thanksgiving!
We lack nothing we need for Spiritual Health in Jesus.
Ephe. 4:11-16 –
All areas of life, working well, result in the body of Christ growing, serving, and building up itself as we all become more like Jesus.
Matthew 28:18-20 –
A Healthy Spiritual life is one that is engaged in the mission of Jesus to take the message of reconciliation to the world, inviting others to join us as Ambassadors for Christ.
The question we all must ask ourselves is not “Where will I be when I face the most difficult challenge in my life?”, but “Who will I be?
Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.