"Think Spiritually"

My wife and I returned from our trip to Guatemala last Friday.  It was quite an experience. I’ve been to the former Soviet Union (Ukraine), Nigeria, and Haiti on mission trips before, as well as some here in the states. In addition, my wife and I lived and served churches in Louisiana, Indiana and Michigan, as well as here in Georgia.

            It is fascinating to me to see the differences and similarities between people in different places. In some ways we are all the same. We are God’s special creation, made in His image, and yet marred by our own sinfulness.  That is true, no matter where you live, or what language you speak.

            But we are also different. We speak different languages, we eat different foods, we have different customs, and the list goes on. 

            When I have visited different countries, I have tried to learn a few basic phrases in the native language.  I want to be able to communicate, at least in some manner.  I studied Spanish in both high school and college, and so I was better prepared for Guatemala than any other country I have visited.  As I read, and listened, I could translate certain phrases and words for my wife.

            But I could not listen “fast” enough to understand everything. The truth is that I “think” in English.  That is my native tongue, and it is most natural to me.

            That gets me to thinking. Do I “think spiritually”, or do I “think” according to the ways of the world?  To “think spiritually,” in my mind, means that I naturally think of ways that I can obey the Lord and follow His direction. 

            I know this much is true. When I am reading my Bible, praying, and worshiping regularly, I “think spiritually,” more often.  I must maintain my relationship with the Lord in order to walk with Him. I imagine that is true for you as well. I pray that we will learn to, “thing spiritually,” that this will become our normal way of living.