Spiritual Intelligence

by Pastor Larry Sorrells, Rockville, Trinity UMC

Christians who develop mature spiritual intelligence have five predictable characteristics. These qualities allow them to be in harmony in their relationship with others and in their relationship with God. The regular use of these abilities and skills will help any Christian become more spiritually intelligent. Let us all create a personal spiritual development plan and increase our spiritual IQ. The characteristics I’m speaking of include:

•The ability to tell others of your faith journey. The skill and ability to state what you believe about God, others, and yourself.

•The ability to communicate with God. Actions would include conveying needs, concerns, and desires through prayer and having a healthy dialogue with God.

•The ability and desire to reflect upon and simplify your life through meditation, reflection, and contemplation.

•The willingness to eliminate selfish, disabling desires inside us. The spiritually intelligent Christian will use the challenges of difficult times to build character and understanding, not hatred, anger, and bitterness.

•The mature, spiritually intelligent person has the motivation and capacity to be committed to lifelong learning. The importance of learning and keeping the brain alive is one of the essential tasks of life. It is certainly putting to use the gifts God has given each of us.

I pray that many of you will use this Lenten Season in ways that will motivate you to develop all the skills, passions, understanding, and commitment needed to become the best Christian you can be. Blessings.