True spirituality

I've always been quietly amused at Christians who under the guise of being "spiritual", fall into the trap of trying to appear mystic or "other-worldly" to those around them.

As if being a spiritual person makes you into some kind of person who prays 24-7 and walks around with a glassy-eyed expression on their face, as if they really aren't a part of this world.

I would suggest to you that the truly spiritual person is a person who is well grounded in this world.

The truly spiritual person is one who is connected not only to God but with others. Our love of God, when it is lived to the fullest, should lead us to a selfless dedication to those around us.

Here's the principle: Deep, intimate, spiritual experiences with God should lead us to incredible activity, not only in the kingdom of God, but with those around us.

True spirituality is the opposite of withdrawing ourselves from the world around us. True intimacy with God leads us to being highly involved in the lives of others.

As Evelyn Underhill writes in her book, "The Mystics of the Church," "It seems that ecstasies and vision are slowly replaced by a "steady inward certainty of union with god and by a new strength and endurance." Although frequently experiencing "sudden waves of fervent feelings," in this often very active period, the mystic is nonetheless calm and sober in his practical dealings with men."

Good stuff.