Joyful Moments in Christ

As I contemplate the notion of Christian spiritual individualism, Acts 8:30-31 sheds some light on prevalent phrases in modern society that seek to distinguish Christian spirituality from the religiosity of the church. Over the years, I’ve encountered several expressions that encapsulate this sentiment:

• “I consider myself spiritual, not religious.”
• “Spirituality is a personal journey defined by individual beliefs.”
• “Christianity is about a personal relationship, not adherence to religious practices.”
• “The essence of religion lies in love.”

While these quotes contain elements of Biblical truth, they also overlook other important aspects of scripture. Often, Christian spiritual individualism arises from a recognition of the imperfections present within religious institutions, yet it may inadvertently dismiss the vital role of guidance and mentorship within the faith.

 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Acts 8:30-31 (ESV)

In these verses, we encounter an Ethiopian eunuch grappling with the understanding of scripture. Despite his sincere efforts to explore spirituality and religiosity, he finds himself at a loss. However, the Holy Spirit recognizes both his earnest seeking and his need for assistance, prompting Philip to approach him. Philip uses the passage the eunuch was reading as a gateway to explain the gospel message!

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

Acts 8:35 (ESV)

In today’s context, the eunuch might be praised for his independent pursuit of truth. Yet, as illustrated in these verses, this was not the Holy Spirit’s intent for him. While divine intervention could have directly imparted understanding into the eunuch’s brain, this is typically an exception rather than a norm.

The eunuch rightly acknowledges the necessity of mentorship in comprehending the deeper truths of scripture. While diligent study can establish a foundation, a knowledgeable guide often expedites and enriches the learning process. Just as one can acquire basic education through self-study, formal instruction under a qualified teacher significantly enhances readiness for higher learning. Similarly, engaging with scripture under the guidance of a mentor accelerates spiritual growth.

As we strive to deepen our relationship with Jesus, let’s leverage ALL the resources God provides. If the Holy Spirit leads us to a teacher, let’s embrace that blessing. Despite the shortcomings of some religious figures, Christian instruction remains a valuable gift from our heavenly Father and we shouldn’t discount it just because of a few sinful leaders!

Reflection Questions

1. How do prevalent phrases like “spiritual, not religious” reflect contemporary attitudes towards Christian spirituality and institutionalized religion?
2. In what ways does Acts 8:30-31 challenge the ideal of independent spiritual exploration and emphasize the importance of guidance and mentorship within the Christian faith?
3. What role have imperfections within religious institutions played in shaping modern expressions of Christian spiritual individualism?
4. How can the story of the Ethiopian eunuch prompt us to reconsider the balance between personal spiritual journey and communal engagement within the Christian community?
5. Reflecting on the necessity of mentorship in understanding scripture, how can we actively seek and embrace guidance in our own spiritual growth journey?

Reflective Prayer

Use this memory verse to pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this verse bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this verse bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this verse inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this verse inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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Related Resources

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.