JimmyWest, I believe I know what you're talking about. My heart aches for most of the people I see in the church, because they seem to play a good game, but I don't believe they really know the Lord on a personal level. If they did, they would have more joy in their lives and more praise on their lips.
I understand your message, but may I suggest that you deliver it with love? I get an antagonistic feeling from your answer to Mira. While she may not have hit the mark you were aiming at, a gentle nudge might make her more willing to listen and learn.
Ephesians 4:12-16 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead,
speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and
builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
I admit that I'm not as spiritual as I could be; like Paul in
Romans 7, I battle against the carnal nature. I have put on the armor of God, and I'm fighting to bring
2 Corinthians 10:5 into reality in my life.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
As Mira says, going to church, reading the Bible, and receiving Sacraments are all an aid to me in this endeavor. They don't equal spirituality, but they are tools to be used. Don't you agree?:angel: