Counseling A Spiritual Person

Do you consider yourself a Christian? A spiritual person?

One of the assessments we always try to make in our initial session with new clients is where they are in their walk with God. What do they believe about Christ and eternal life? 

As a Christian counseling center, we are trying to determine if they are saved, if they are a true disciple/follower of Christ, if they are they religious or just seeking God?

Our perceived answers to these questions dictate the best course of action for us to try to help them.

During the course conversation, one of the more intriguing responses we get is when someone will say that, “I am a spiritual person”. They use it in a very positive way, as if to indicate their openness and support for our ventures with them into the things of the spirit realm.

I’ve come to realize however that the phrase is typically code for, “I am open to almost anything in the spirit realm, have done a lot of reading and research on my own, will listen to what you have to say but my views are going to be pretty difficult to change ”. This is admittedly a generalization but it has been my experience that few true followers of Christ refer to themselves as being spiritual.

One of the challenges that Christian counselors have is to explain the love and grace of Christ within the context of his declaration that He alone was the way, the truth and the life to get to the God of the universe. I believe that spiritual people do indeed tap into the spirit realm more clearly than others and are able to discern and see things more clearly than many. The challenge is to interpret the source of the messages they are receiving!

The bible says that the enemies of our soul (demons) rarely show themselves as they truly are, but come as wolves in sheep’s clothing. While this is frequently and rightfully applied to people, I believe it also relates to the voices and inklings we gain from the spirit realm. Not every open door has been opened by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the enemy can open doors and initiate relationships and religious pursuits also.

If you, or someone you know, is a self-described spiritual person then rejoice in the sensitivity to that realm! However, it is important to be aware that it is easy to be deceived by all the new age (or worse) teachings that would try to portray alternate paths to God and to eternal life.

Being overtly “spiritual” is not necessarily a blessing unless discernment comes with it! Jesus said that the gate to life (him) was small and the road was narrow. There is a broad road that leads to destruction and many are on it, all the while thinking that they are on the road to life.

Does this opinion ring true with you or do you think I am way off base?