Today I’d like to discuss Christian spiritual wellness with you. While my blog has quite a few posts on emotional, mental, and even physical wellness, there aren’t any on Christian spiritual wellness yet. I’m not sure why I’ve kept such a distance from it, but I have.
My Christian Spiritual Wellness Walk
If there’s one thing I struggle with most in my life, above all else, it’s sin. I don’t like to admit it (and I don’t like being called out for it) but I sin. Sometimes I know I’m sinning and I give in to it anyway because it’s “easier” than controlling myself or fighting the urges. Can you relate to that?
While it might seem easier for me to allow sin into my life than to fight it and obey the words in the Bible, I know it definitely isn’t what’s best for me in the long run. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV) reads, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
I’m going to ask that you take a moment to think about that verse. What does it say to you? How does it make you feel? What does it make you think about yourself? Do you feel shame, understanding, embarrassment, confidence – what do you feel? Are you walking the narrow path or the wide path? Where are you on your Christian spiritual wellness journey?
“The Pilgrim’s Progress” revised by Alan Vermilye
I had to read this book in my Biblical Like and Witness class with MACU, and I have to say it wasn’t awful. While the original by John Bunyan can be a difficult read, this revised version is quite simple to understand. You’ll see a lot of similarities between it and the stories in the Bible, and even some direct references. It’s quite clever.
As Christians we have a journey that we are supposed to go on. We have a path that God asks us to walk on, and how we respond determines how our walk goes and how our relationship lasts between our Father. In the book, Christian (the main character) begins this journey. He is reading the Bible when he realizes he and his town are doomed and he must leave. He begs family and friends to listen to him, but they only laugh and mock him before he leaves for his journey alone.
We are like Christian, running away from our sins and trying to walk the right path for God. We try to escape only to be met with deceitful people who try to hold us back. We have to be careful about that!
Ways to check in with your Spiritual Wellness:
- Do you allow yourself time alone to think and recharge?
- Do you pray?
- Do you think about the meaning of life and your place in it?
- Do you take walks in nature and appreciate it?
- Do you practice empathy and selflessness?
- Do you reach out to family and friends often to express your love?
- Do you practice forgiveness?
- Do you read the Bible?
- Do you have a prayer journal?
What is Christian Spiritual Wellness all about?
Christian spiritual wellness is integral to living a fulfilling and purposeful life according to Christian beliefs. It involves a deep, personal relationship with God through faith, prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. Spiritual wellness provides believers with the foundation for coping with life’s challenges, finding inner peace, and understanding their purpose in the grand narrative of God’s plan.
At its core, Christian spiritual wellness is about aligning one’s life with God’s will. This connection fosters an attitude of love, kindness, and humility toward others, as well as a sense of responsibility to care for creation. It nurtures a sense of hope, even in difficult circumstances, because it is rooted in the belief that God’s presence and guidance are constant.
Moreover, spiritual wellness is not just about individual growth, but also community. Christians are encouraged to live out their faith within a church family, supporting one another and growing together. This collective spiritual journey fosters a sense of belonging, accountability, and mutual encouragement.
In the context of mental and emotional health, spiritual wellness helps provide clarity and strength. The peace that comes from trusting in God’s sovereignty can bring healing to troubled hearts and minds. It invites believers to surrender their anxieties to God and embrace the restorative power of His love.
Ultimately, Christian spiritual wellness offers a holistic approach to well-being, integrating faith into all aspects of life—personal, relational, and social—and helps believers live in alignment with God’s divine purpose.
The challenge of Spiritual Wellness in today’s world
While spiritual wellness is crucial, it’s not always easy to cultivate in the modern world. There are many distractions, challenges, and societal pressures that can pull people away from God. Consider some of the difficulties many face today:
- Information Overload
With the constant stream of news, social media updates, and digital distractions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. The noise of modern life can drown out moments of quiet reflection, prayer, and communion with God. Christians are constantly faced with the challenge of finding time to nurture their spiritual lives amid the busyness of daily activities. - Pressure to Conform
In today’s society, there’s often pressure to conform to cultural norms that may not align with Christian values. Secular ideologies and materialism can sometimes overshadow the pursuit of spiritual health, making it harder to stay focused on the principles of faith. It’s easy to be swayed by external expectations and lose sight of God’s calling. - Emotional and Mental Health Struggles
Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and stress, are on the rise in today’s world. Many people are dealing with these issues without sufficient spiritual support, which can lead to a sense of hopelessness or emptiness. A strong Christian spiritual practice can help individuals find peace amidst mental and emotional turmoil, but it requires intentionality and discipline. - A Lack of Community
In an increasingly individualistic society, community life has become more fragmented. This can lead to loneliness and a sense of disconnection from others, which also affects one’s spiritual wellness. Fellowship with other believers is a key aspect of spiritual growth, as it provides encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom. Yet, many people struggle to find supportive Christian communities that foster true spiritual growth.
Why is Spiritual Wellness important for Christians?
- Connection with God
At the heart of Christian spiritual wellness is a close relationship with God. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, worship, and Bible study. Spiritual wellness helps Christians cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s love and guidance, enabling them to live in alignment with His will. It encourages believers to trust God’s plan and find peace in knowing that He is always present. - Emotional and Mental Peace
In times of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty, spiritual wellness provides emotional and mental grounding. Christianity teaches that God offers peace that transcends understanding, a peace that can calm troubled hearts and minds. By centering their lives on Christ and His promises, Christians can find stability and hope, even in the face of life’s challenges. - Purpose and Meaning
Spiritual wellness helps Christians connect with their deeper purpose. Scripture tells us that every believer has been created with a unique purpose and calling. By developing spiritual practices, individuals can discern how God wants them to use their talents, gifts, and resources to serve others and glorify Him. This sense of purpose brings fulfillment and meaning to everyday life, whether it’s in work, family, or community. - Strength in Difficult Times
Life is full of ups and downs, and spiritual wellness strengthens Christians to navigate these challenges. The Bible assures believers that God is their refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. By staying spiritually connected, Christians can rely on God’s strength, knowing that they are never alone. The faith they cultivate in moments of peace becomes a stronghold when difficulties arise. - Community and Support
Spiritual wellness is not a solitary journey; it is meant to be lived out in community. The church is a place of belonging where Christians encourage one another, pray together, and grow in faith. In a supportive faith community, Christians can find encouragement and accountability, helping one another stay spiritually healthy and resilient.
Let me know down in the comments where you are on your journey, or if you’re not started yet but wanting to.
