Spirit and Spirituality

The dictionary defines spirit as the vital principle or the animating force within all human beings. It is the Divine Essence, the Divine Intelligence which is not a part of the physical make-up of human beings. It is the immaterial, immortal, and energy-giving component infused in all humans. It is the invisible entity that produces all reality. Spirit is the greatest stimulant within and outside the human body. It vitalizes all cells, tissues, and organs. It uplifts our minds and consciousness; inspires and ennobles us to accomplish anything we can embark on. It quickens and transforms our whole being and heals our infirmities. To the modern medical professional, the spirit is the restorative power of nature. The Spirit gives us wisdom and insight. Within the deep recesses of every human being, male or female, rich or poor, civilized or uncivilized, is the conviction that a Superior Power or Intelligence guides and directs our daily lives. Consciously or unconsciously, we willingly follow the direction of this Higher Power, which is the Spirit within us! Thus, spirit is the life principle and can be considered as life itself. In the Christian Bible, we are told that “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Spirit is the invisible non-material part of man. All human beings are infused by the same spirit and the same God. The desire to excel which is inherent in every individual comes from the inspiration of the Spirit. Jesus Christ was completely infused with the Divine Essence of God’s Spirit. His realization of the infusion enabled Him to transcend the limitations of human existence. Just like Jesus, infusion with the Divine Essence can enable you to control your physical appetites, lusts, and material aspirations, and rise above the limitations of our corporeal existence What then is spirituality? The term spirituality refers to a person’s search for meaning and a personal relationship with God or a Higher Power. It is the way an individual finds comfort, hope, harmony, happiness, and peace of mind in his or her own life. Spirituality involves the realization and acceptance of God, a Higher Intelligence, or Divine Essence with whom an individual can commune with and have a personal relationship. The realization and conviction of the divine presence of God in our lives provide love, peace of mind, harmony, health, security, inspiration, power, energy, and happiness, far above and beyond what is possible in the absence of the conviction and realization of the presence of a living God. Most people find spirituality through religion, while some find it through philosophy, mysticism, music, arts, or through a connection with the natural environment. Still others find spirituality through their principles and values in life. Christians find spirituality through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and God’s Incarnate on Earth, who came to the world to teach and show us how to live life more abundantly.