Spiritual awareness and experiences

Being spiritually aware is when a person becomes more alert and sensitive to their inner self and the spiritual component of their complex being, which is often triggered by an exterior spiritual influence or ‘higher power’. As humans, we have a visible physical body; a soul comprised of the mind, will and emotions; and a spirit dimension that relates to the invisible but real spirit realm. Each of these three areas have a vital and distinct role to perform for us to be whole and balanced individuals.  Non-believers are spiritually dead in any relationship with God and are at the mercy of the evil spirits in their quest for a supernatural or other than human divine touch, and although appearing beneficial these agents of Satan have deceitful and sinister aims (Jn 10:10; 2 Cor 11:14). Many people are interested in and attracted to increased spiritual awareness which involves connecting to nature and the universe through practices such as worldly initiated meditation and yoga. Some also use substances that stimulate the brain, leading to altered experiences, or engage in activities related to the occult or attempt to communicate with those who have passed away.

In contrast, Christian should only interact with and be under the control of the Holy Spirit who comes into each believer at salvation (1Cor 2:14, 6:19; Eph 1:13, 2:1-5; Col 2:13; Jas 2:26). There are varying degrees to which we individually yield to His positive influence, thereby becoming spiritually alive. This ongoing conflict within our minds involves choosing whether to allow either the natural flesh or the spirit to take precedence in the situations we face daily (Rom 12:2; Gal 5:16,17; Eph 6:12).  Our default setting (courtesy of Adam and Eve) is to live by the visible, material human nature instead of the higher spiritual nature, impacted by the Holy Spirit. The Bible advises abandoning the old nature and adopt the new nature (Eph 4:22-24). Typically, an impulsive reaction to an adverse event reflects human instincts, whereas a thoughtful response signifies spiritual maturity (Gal 5:16-25).

and Cornelius and Peter's divine guidance, each requiring independent action which brought about a major shift in the spread of the gospel to the non-Jews (Act 10:1-48). None of these, nor numerous other encounters with God, were actively pursued by those to whom they occurred. These events happened unexpectedly as part of God's plan to engage individuals in the fulfilment of His purposes.  Sometimes spiritual experiences are scary, painful, and hard – Paul was blind for three days after his first divine encounter, yet his life was revolutionised from being a persecutor of Christians to Christianity’s greater advocate (Act 9:1-9,15). These supernatural events are not always sudden and spectacular upheavals but a gradual spiritual awakening of a deep God-consciousness within. As a result of a profound spiritual experience initiated by God, your perspective on everything will change, consequently influencing all aspects of your life in fulfilling God's purpose for you.

Discern the source

A touch from the Lord will bring about change for the better if we are responsive to His directions so it is essential to clearly discern His voice, so we are not gullible to Satan’s alternative. Rather than being considered a mystical emotional feeling that soon dissipates with little ongoing observable difference, a powerful touch from the Lord is the catalyst that brings about a change of direction, focus or purpose in life that is clearly evident and brings Him glory as the recipient walks with integrity in His ways.

God, it will align with His nature and the principles of the Bible. Be cautious if it was perceived to be the manipulation and projection of other people’s desires, as we must be true to our own heart’s convictions and not come under the control of other well-meaning people. The source could also be our own pent up fleshly aspirations, a reaction to our own human brokenness or what we had for dinner last night! In the Garden of Eden, Satan promised Eve a type of spiritual awareness if she ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, “your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen 3:4,5). Satan contradicted God’s explicit warning of the penalty of death, and then accentuated the advantages to be obtained from defiance of the Divine decree (Gen 2:17). Both Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and as we know this caused global devastation.

Satan wants to capitalize on any emotionally amplified awareness or weakness in our character, yet we should not blame him for every seeming unpleasant happening or think we are under spiritual attack. In the natural environment, positive emotions can arise from observing the beauty of nature, such as a spectacular sunrise or sunset. Satisfying feelings of accomplishment can result from successfully completing academic or physical tasks where one's efforts were significant in achieving the goal. However, these pleasurable experiences in the natural realm are insignificant compared to the profound connection our spirit can have with our creator.

Jesus when giving the mandate for His followers to go into the world and preach the gospel said, “These signs will accompany those who believe…” (Mk 16:15-18). The manifestation of His power is for His glory and the advancement of the good news, not to cater to human curiosity (Mk 2:12, 8:12). When a significant awareness is perceived as divine guidance, it typically indicates an impending event or responsibility that requires our involvement. Adhering to this guidance is essential for determining our critical path forward. It is important to maintain an attitude of reliance and obedience, ensuring alignment with the divine direction – avoiding delay or haste. Prayer should be our foundation, seeking God's wisdom to bring these experiences to life. Sharing with wise individuals can bring clarity and help achieve completion. Avoid forming a rigid interpretation of any spiritual encounters, as with time and greater understanding, their significance will become clearer.

Each day we should be aware of God’s closeness, for He wants to and does affect our lives, but not with warm fuzzy feelings that have no lasting effect nor with its impact solely for our personal benefit, but rather for the bigger community. Rather we should expect and look for His enabling to fulfil His call in our life, through our daily ‘uneventful’ walk of devotion, discipleship and faithful obedience to Him, as we meet the demands of day-to-day life with the non-believers observing the difference because we have been with Jesus rather than being preoccupied with chasing after the exhilaration of another personal experience (Act 4:13). Attune your heart to see the generosity of God in the everyday events and thank Him for the divine grace that is always directed towards you, not just in any rare spectacular occasions that may occur. While God desires to bless us abundantly, our focus is to be on Him, not what He gives. When we are specifically aware of something happening, don’t worship it, dismiss it, ignore it, or deny it, but give Him the praise and work with Him to ensure it is fully outworked.

God’s glory. While significant and life-changing, they are not to be given greater prominence than God as we should be pursuing Him not any possible experience He may give, yet it’s easy to substitute an encounter with God for God Himself. Seeking mystical or spiritual experiences can be dangerous leading to spiritual delusion and wrong thinking that spiritualizes every event in life in a supernatural facade. Some people trying to infer how close they are to Jesus repeatedly use the terms, ‘The Lord told me…God gave me a vision’. While God does speak to us, impressing things in our mind, give inner witness to our heart and mental impressions they are seldom an audible voice from heaven or blinding light (Act 9:3-6). Emotions and feelings are an unreliable measure of our relationship with God. When we’re stirred or moved, we believe we’re close to God. When we don’t feel Him, we think He’s far away.

We must always remain humble and in healthy interaction with the real world. Having such an occurrence doesn’t mean we’re spiritually superior or more worthy, nor does the lack indicate we are inferior for these encounters are neither created nor controlled by human beings, but rather signify the intervention of the Holy Spirit. 

God never gives His people a continual chain of miraculous life-changing encounters, rather He expects us to trust what He has already done, walk in the guidance we already have received, search the Scriptures daily, and live by faith, not by sight signs (Hab 2:4; Mt 16:4; Jn 20:29; 2 Cor 5:7).

The greatest and most important experience we can have is to be genuinely born-again. With some people this is a dramatic experience for others it is much less vivid but no less real. Some can state the day and place, while others are confident it has happened yet are less clear on the specifics of this vital “passing from death to life” – from the Kingdom of Satan into the Kingdom of God (Jn 5:24; 1 Jn 3:14).

See also: body/soul/spirit, born-again, call/calling, discernment, guidance, meditation, purpose, pursuing God, spirit realm, spiritual awareness and experiences, spirituality, supernatural, transformation.