Finding Christian Spirituality in Everyday Life

Spend Time With God Each Day

Spirituality is much more than regular Sunday church attendance. Instead, spirituality is having a personal relationship with God and renewing that bond with your creator each day of your life. Although going to church can enhance spirituality, it's also the little everyday miracles that contribute to spirituality.

Instructions

1. Expect to find spirituality. This entails faith that a power greater than yourself is operating in your life on a daily basis. Gaze into the heavens and realize there your higher power is at work in the world. Stare into the face of a newborn baby and get a spiritual high. Ask God to show you His face in nature and in other people.

2. Spend time alone with God every day. Set apart a portion of your busy day to seek God in prayer and in His Word. Also, designate a special place where you have your quiet time. Make it your private sanctuary where you won't be disturbed. Turn off your cell phone and close down your computer mailbox so you won't wonder who just shot you an email. Instead, be more concerned about God's messages to you.

3. Rejoice always. Don't just be joyful only when life goes your way. Instead, give thanks in those challenging times when money is short or when the dog throws up on the new carpet. Praise God you have a dog and a home rather than complaining. When you're thankful during those trying times when it's easier to complain, you'll discover spirituality.

4. Reach out and help someone in need. Volunteer to work in a soup kitchen. When there, don't just mechanically prepare and serve meals, but offer a smile to all you meet. Take the time to sit and listen to needy people pour out their hearts to you. When you do so, you'll be putting into practicing the scripture in the book of James that says that "true religion is taking care of widows and orphans" (James 1:27).

5. View life's interruptions as an opportunity to find spirituality. For example, if you're busy trying to finish your housework and the phone rings with a neighbor's cry for help, put down your mop and vacuum cleaner and ask how you can help. Your neighbor's need is an immediate concern, while your housework can always be done some other time. You'll be blessed by ministering to someone else, putting the needs of others before your own agenda.

6. Pray for your enemies. Instead of letting your enemies get the best of you, pray for them. Each time you're tempted to lash back at a rude driver, offer up a prayer for the person behind the wheel. Ask God to intervene in his life today. After awhile, you'll discover you actually have love for that person you thought you hated. More importantly, you'll find spirituality.

Tips & Warnings

• Give to others not expecting anything in return. All that matters is that you do the right thing and grow in spirituality.