Whenever I heard the word “spiritual,” my thoughts were limited to the notions of driving out demons and healing diseases. In the midst of this, when he focused on what was wrong and needed to be changed in our spiritual lives, I wrongly perceived the overseer’s sermons as nothing more than moral and ethical narratives. Therefore, I started feeling that overseer’s sermon pushed me further away from spiritual life.

However, on a certain day, I came to realize that the overseer was truly speaking about the true nature of spirituality. Our problems that he spoke about were manifestations that arose when believers followed the worldly desires within the church. Although the spiritual world and our spirits cannot be seen, all outcomes will be evident through each individual’s actions. Whether something is spiritual or not does not depend on its visuality or reality. Rather, it is determined by living an obedient life to God’s will.

After listening to his sermon, I gained a true understanding that the distance between parables and reality is not as far as I had thought. The same events, when they occur in the world, are considered parables, but when they happen within the church and our faith lives, they become realities. Prior to this realization, I was busy trying to memorize all the criteria the overseer presented in order to discern right from wrong. Consequently, despite my earnest efforts to listen and remember the words, there was nothing that truly remained within me.

After realizing that the overseer’s sermon is spiritual, I came to understand that the overseer’s words I had previously regarded as ethics and morals were actually teachings about the right attitude for believers in their faith lives. Furthermore, I gained a clear understanding of my thoughts and choices that I should make as a spiritual individual.

The church is open to everyone. However, I came to understand that, in fact, the kingdom of God continuously separates worldly individuals, the gate of the kingdom is referred to as “the narrow gate”. In the past, I used to think of “sin” simply as evil deeds. However, upon hearing the teachings, I realized that it is also considered a sin when individuals fail to acknowledge their own limitations before God. The reason people become self-centered and hinder God’s work is they cannot perceive their own lack. And the reason why they fail to see their lack is their refusal to admit their own limitations.

I realized that in order to become a so-called spiritual person, I must first be humble before God. No matter how diligently I adhere to spiritual rules, if I am not with God, they are merely norms for self-restraint. When I become absorbed in these norms, I tend to focus only on the sense of obligation to keep them and forget why I should keep the laws. As a result, the hope for heaven gradually fades away. The Israelites remembered and kept numerous laws, but over time, they were left with fear and oppression instead of joy and hope. I must remember that through fleshly enthusiasm my faith cannot be firmly established and I cannot receive the joy of God.

January 8, 2023
Jang in **Berea Church from China