We're battling an ever-growing mountain of information these days. With all this content at our fingertips, it's easy to lose ourselves amidst a multitude of options and distractions.
As high-achieving Christian men, how can we discern the good from the God-ordained while navigating our spiritual journey?
In this post, we'll explore the three categories of men found in scripture and discuss how understanding these types of men can help us triumph over the chaos and unlock our spiritual potential.
You can also listen to the audio version of this below for a recent episode of the podcast where we covered this in more detail.
1. The Carnal Man: Rising Above Earthly Desires for Spiritual Growth
First up is the carnal man. Scripture references these people as being consumed by earthly desires, which obstruct their spiritual advancement. They fall into negative cycles and patterns of sin, failing to walk after the Spirit.
Driven by instant gratification, the carnal man allows their spiritual growth to take a back seat.
This can express itself in a number of ways; if you have outright sin in your life, you're in disobedience. Period. I'm not saying you're not saved, but you need to change your ways. If you're struggling with carnality, it's crucial to understand the transformative power of submitting to the Lord.
Face your vice head-on, tackling those cycles and patterns of sin with discipline, decisiveness, and an unwavering commitment to change.
2. The Natural Man: Pursuing Supernatural Inspiration to Optimize Life
The natural man bases their decisions on their own intellect and what seems right to them. While their actions might not involve outright sin, they tend to focus on their self-driven interests instead of seeking divine guidance.
In First Corinthians 2:14 Paul says “a natural man does not accept the things of the spirit because their foolishness to him, he can't understand them because they're spiritually appraised”.
If this describes you, then make a conscious effort to embrace divine direction in your decision-making process. By doing so, you can unlock your potential and achieve a more fulfilling spiritual life, transcending mere 'good deeds' to embrace your God-ordained purpose.
3. The Spiritual Man: Harnessing the Power of Divine Partnership
The third category comprises the spiritual man - individuals who actively pursue divine guidance in all aspects of their lives. They prioritize their spiritual walk over earthly matters, focusing on what truly matters and eternally building the Kingdom of God.
To thrive in the spiritual realm, you must develop strategies to conquer the demands of modern life. By staying rooted in your connection with the Lord, you can remain focused on your divine mission and maximize your impact for the Kingdom.
A Framework for Unraveling the Spiritual Journey Amidst the Information Overload
To identify your path and unlock your spiritual potential amid today's abundance of options, consider the following guidelines:
- Don't rely solely on your senses or intellect. Embrace the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, going beyond human logic and understanding. As Christians, we need to focus on spirituality and be receptive to divine guidance in the decisions we make.
- Trust in God's plan for your talents and skillsets. Recognize that possessing certain gifts and abilities doesn't necessarily point to God-ordained applications. Stay open to what the Lord may have for you - He knows the best way to utilize your unique skills for the furtherance of His Kingdom.
- Recognize divine timing and the importance of patience. Understand there's a time and process for fulfilling your spiritual and personal goals. Submit to the Lord's plan and entrust that He knows the best timing for each stage of your journey.
- Maintain an awareness of God's presence. Cultivate a relationship with God by engaging in practices that keep you connected to His voice, His will, and His purpose. Activities such as prayer, scripture reading, and worship can help empower you to follow His direction with courage and conviction.
- Embrace God's will first and foremost. Build Kingdom priorities into your life by intentionally seeking God's will instead of your own. Put His desires before your own ambitions to truly experience His blessing and abundant life.
Wisdom for the Journey
Differentiating between the carnal, natural, and spiritual man provides valuable insight for navigating modern life in alignment with God's purpose.
Understanding these categories allows Kingdom men to identify obstacles, embrace discipline, and yield to divine guidance - establishing a reliable foundation for growth in Christ.
As you progress on your spiritual journey, I urge you to lean into the Holy Spirit's wisdom. Commit to seeking and obeying God's will above all else, prioritizing your relationship with Him and surrendering to His plan.
This is the victory - unlocking your God-given purpose and maximizing your impact as a man of God in today's world. Focus on spiritual maturity through discipline, prayer, and obedience to Christ. It is the path to true Kingdom success and fulfillment as the man God designed you to be.
