When it comes to spirituality, you do what you do because you believe what you believe. In your spirituality you pray to the Lord—and to no one else—if you believe that’s what the Bible teaches. Regardless of the importance you consciously place upon it, your theology drives and determines your spirituality. So again, you pray the way you do because of your beliefs; and for the same reason there are certain ways you do not pray.
Recognize, therefore, the connection between good theology and good spirituality. Don’t turn to people as models and teachers of spirituality if you could not also turn to them for guidance in theology and doctrine. For their spirituality is also connected to their theology. If some of their foundational beliefs—especially regarding the nature and authority of the Bible, the gospel, the person and work of Jesus, and the Trinity—are contrary to Scripture, they will eventually mislead you regarding important matters of spirituality.
It’s very easy to be impressed by someone’s piety and think, “Surely anyone who is so pious, so devoted, and so committed to prayer, couldn’t be very wrong in their theology.” But I have seen more than one person come to reject biblical theology—even regarding the doctrine of salvation—after they became impressed with the spirituality of a particular writer or speaker who eventually led them astray. As Jesus said, “Pay attention to what you hear” (Mark 4:24), for those you listen to will influence not only your beliefs but also how you live and relate to God.
So,
- If anyone makes experience authoritative over the revelation of God in Scripture—turn away from him.
- If anyone adds another book or experience to the Bible, making it equal in authority to God’s Word—refuse to believe him.
- If anyone teaches that God can be experienced directly, that is, without the mediation of Jesus Christ and the Bible—don’t listen to him.
- If anyone says that there are many paths to God and that Jesus isn’t the only way to Heaven—avoid him.
Each of us needs both sound theology and passionate spirituality, because theology is the fuel for spirituality’s fire. Theology provides the discernment to protect us from unbiblical or unhealthy spiritual practices (such as regularly seeking to experience God without the guidance or influence of Scripture). Theology can protect us from fads in spirituality.
How do you pursue theology? Read and meditate on Scripture. Listen to biblical preaching and avail yourself of the opportunities for Christian education at your church. Read time-tested Christian books that teach, not just those that entertain. These include not only books about doctrine, but also biographies of those who were, like Apollos, “competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). The theology found in Scripture is God’s truth. Don’t try to grow your soul or simplify your spiritual life without it.
