To be practical is to actually use something instead of just hold the theory of something. When we apply the practical to the spiritual we act on spiritual ideas or promises. Nothing spiritual can be used only in theory. Action is what makes the spiritual more powerful. Let me give you an example. A person can believe in love but without putting love into action by giving to someone out of that love, it is only still a theory but not an actual practice. Love is meant to be an action word and not a feeling. A person can believe in hope but without making an effort to step forward toward what is hoped for it is still a theory. There are miracles and things we do not “see” with our eyes but the Bible also tells us to “work out our salvation”. This gives us the understanding that action is desired in working along side the spiritual. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Belief is powerful. Yet, Abraham also made moves according to his beliefs. Abraham combined his belief with faith.
When accepting Christ as Savior, we express to Him and confess to Him. This is another example of how the practical gives power to the spiritual. There is divine healing in the power of the blood of Christ but our faith is the action we put forward in the process of healing. We are spiritual beings but we are also physical and have a soul. Our human existence is triune just like our God is triune. We are body, soul, and spirit. These all act together and work together in practical ways. No prayer can be answered without a prayer being set forth before God. Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus gave them an example in a practical way in order to connect with the spiritual.
I’ve had several people ask me over the years when God is going to send them a mate. God wants nothing more than to help to create happiness by giving us a mate. Yet, it seems very unfeasible to sit in one place just waiting for God to drop someone into our lap. Action is needed in practical ways. We need to do our part and have faith that God will do His. There is no doubt that God is powerful enough to drop someone right at our door. Yet, where is the lesson in strength, determination, or an exercise in our faith? There is no growth in remaining stagnant.
Practical application of Biblical ideas bring us success and blessing. God wants us to have the blessings. Obedience is important! This is not the same as legalistic views that we have to do something in order to obtain God’s blessing or His acceptance. Being practical is being a partner with God in our living on this planet. God wants this relationship with us! We are definitely saved by His grace. Yet, even in that, we have created an action by believing on Jesus Christ, and confessing our sins to Him. Our response to our belief is an important part of our faith in God.
God gave us all His manual for living in the contents of the Bible. We can read it and understand His personality, nature, power, and add to the power of our belief. Reading and praying are both practical actions! God is as a parent to us all. As parents we always want to teach our children how to achieve things in this life. We love to bless them with good things, but to not ask them to participate in life in practical ways will stunt their growth. Parental love is not like this. Parental love has action and practical ways of having the children participate. Every child responds to rewards when they have done things well. We are the same with God. We become stronger when we apply ourselves toward a goal.
God asks us to pursue peace. We all desire the reward of having peace, but notice that we are asked to pursue. Spiritually we can always ask God for guidance as to what our actions can be. Sometimes He wants us to “be still and know He is God”. Still our practical application is “being still”. Spiritually walking with God is always an adventure, and it is meant to be! There is no adventure in not participating in the journey!
My desire for you today is to find the practical actions that go along with spiritual beliefs and walking in the Spirit. My hope for you is to achieve the strength that God wants you to have so that you can climb to the mountain tops! The view is beautiful from there!
Sincerely Yours,
Rev Jenine Marie
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 