When we feel our physical health is out of kilter, we go to a Doctor. When we feel our mental health is not great, we might engage a Psychologist. But what do you do when you feel that your spiritual health is not where it should be? There are great gains to be had in relationships, energy levels and your general experience of happiness, by having a clear answer to this question and keeping our spiritual life healthy and running well.
What type of spirituality should I engage with?
One thing to realise when it comes to spiritual health is that the spiritual realm is not neutral, there is good and evil. Now it might seem fun to engage with the edgy and ‘wicked’, but sadly people have found themselves in seriously damaging situations doing so. And on the other side, there have been those I have spoken with who have been taken along by very popular and seemingly positive spiritual content and who have even thought they were going through a spiritual awakening. However, they’ve realised later on that they had invited evil spirits into their life, which they’ve then needed help to get rid of.
So how do I know if a spirituality is helpful? Well, if the name of Jesus is being called upon, then you are on safe and trusted ground. For 2,000 years, people have been finding spiritual health and healing in Jesus name. And you can probably think of a follower of Jesus you know, who is a pretty decent person and whose life is worth emulating.
How do I navigate the different Christian Churches?
The obvious place to connect with a spirituality centered around Jesus is to visit your local church. But in many communities, it’s a question of which one?
You might like to consider if you have friends who go to a local church, who might be willing to bring you along with them. Maybe there is a local church that has some connection to you workplace, your local community or your kids school. It always helps to have some existing connections when trying something new.
Having said that, even if you have no prior connections at all with a local church, the most important thing is that it’s a church that talks about Jesus from the Bible, encourages you to follow Jesus direction for your life and has a deeply evident love towards others.
What’s the First Step to Take?
Like engaging with anything for the first time: Look up google and get some information. Most churches will have a Sunday service that is open for anyone to attend. Find out the start time and get there on time, not necessarily early.
Do I need to be an expert before attending?
This is one of the big myths with Christianity, that you need to have your life all in order or be a Bible expert before you can visit a church service. The opposite is true. Most churches will love you warmly, just the way you are. They can be some of the most welcoming places on earth. So look up the time and head along to a church this Sunday!
About the Author
Jai Wright is a Christian Minister, who founded and leads MAKE Church in Mackay, Qld. He recently published the book, Life Plugged In: Connecting with the Source of Peace, Power and Purpose.
You might like to think a little bit more about your spiritual health, by taking the Spiritual Health Check Score Card here.
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