What practical steps can we take to prioritize the spiritual over the natural? Rooted Truth from 1 Corinthians 15:46 “The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 15:46) • God’s pattern: we begin in the tangible world, but we are meant to progress into the full, Spirit-led life. • Prioritizing the spiritual is not denying the natural; it is letting the eternal direct the temporal. Mind-Set: Shifting Our Values • Romans 8:5-6—“Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh… but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” • Colossians 3:1-2—“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • 2 Corinthians 4:18—“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” Practical mental shifts: – Begin each day reminding yourself, “I am an eternal being living a temporary day.” – Measure success by obedience and Christ-likeness rather than comfort or acclaim. – Replace worry about material lack with trust in God’s promise of provision (Matthew 6:31-33). Daily Habits That Elevate the Spiritual • Unhurried Scripture intake – Schedule non-negotiable time for reading and meditation (Psalm 1:2). – Read until a verse arrests your heart; stop and pray it back to God. • Conversational prayer throughout the day – Start the day dedicating every task to the Lord (Proverbs 3:6). – Use idle moments—commutes, chores—to speak with Him. • Fasting from legitimate pleasures – Skip a meal or screen time to heighten spiritual hunger (Matthew 4:4). – Use the freed-up slot for worship or service. • Practicing gratitude – Keep a running list of God’s daily mercies (1 Thessalonians 5:18). – Verbalize thanks to shift focus off circumstances and onto His character. Relational Practices That Keep Eternity in View • Gospel-centered conversation – Look for openings to share what Christ is doing in you (Philemon 6). • Spiritual accountability – Meet regularly with a mature believer for honest heart checks (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serving the body and the lost – Invest time, talent, and treasure where it yields eternal fruit (1 Peter 4:10; Matthew 28:19-20). Guardrails Against Natural-First Living • Identify your chief “natural” pull—possessions, approval, entertainment, comfort. • Set boundaries: budgets, screen limits, Sabbath rest (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Invite the Spirit to expose drift; keep short accounts through immediate confession (1 John 1:9). Encouragement from the Spirit-First Life • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • John 6:63—“The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing.” • When the spiritual is first, the natural finds its proper place—resources become tools, relationships become ministries, and daily routines become worship. |
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