The following article is an extract from lectures given by Walter Rusnell on the subject of Christian spirituality.

   We are living in a time when many have a greater hunger for spirituality than for organized religion, western Christianity seems to be losing its vital connection with an understanding of the deep spiritual roots of their faith. Visitors to the faith often find themselves walking through the monolithic ruins of what was once a living vibrant expression of God’s presence in the earth They see the Reader’s digest version of Christianity in place of a faith that contains such richness and breadth that some have given up all they own to plum its depths.

   Some think that Christian spirituality is an intellectual pursuit, as though they can inform their brain cells of all the right information and become spiritual. Unfortunately, there many who may gain much intellectual knowledge from the Bible and yet never come into personal encounter with Him. There is a religious knowledge that leads to arrogance and self-sufficiency, and there is a spiritual knowledge, which produces the love that edifies and builds up.

   Some believe spirituality is to be the attainment of the will, they think that if they force themselves to do all the good things a good Christian is supposed to do they will become spiritual. They attend church regularly, read Bibles, pray and even witness to their neighbors in their pursuit of spirituality. Their spiritual method consists mostly of works approved by others and symbolic rituals.

   These things are all important, but I have met some who are faithful attendees of church for years but yet failed to find spiritual reality. These individuals are usually frustrated with their Christian walk. Every preacher that comes along has some new absolutely essential things for him or her to learn or do. After several years their list is so long that it becomes a great burden, which weighs on them heavily.

   Christian spirituality is more than psychological or emotional maturity. Within the church we have people who are successful financially, socially, and their family life. We assume that these people are examples of spirituality. Although these attributes may be the results of spiritual life, the fact is there many outside of Christ who are also mature in this way.

   Christian spirituality is the growing awareness and enjoyment of the living Christ who fills and envelops us with his awareness of God; it is a fellowship of His awareness. Christian spirituality is not ‘naval-gazing’ or narcissism. Our primary focus is not ourselves but Christ himself living his life through us. It is a childlike freedom that comes out of the deep security found in an awareness of the unseen reality of God’s unfailing love, and its fruit is great enjoyment. Even in the most difficult circumstances, we are free to enjoy Christ and do well. John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” We are spiritual to the extent we believe in and experience Christ living in and through us.

                 Walter Rusnell

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CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY