What are the different definitions of 'spiritual journey'?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Christian’s spiritual journey is a continual process of spiritual development because the Holy Spirit changes our hearts throughout our life (Philippians 1:6) until we meet Jesus (1 John 3:2). There are different ways we can progress in our spiritual journey. The first thing we should do as believers is have a basic understanding of who God is (1 Peter 2:2). We can then further grow in our spiritual journey by using our spiritual gifts in the church (1 Corinthians 12), submitting to Christian leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13), being mentored (2 Timothy 2:2) and mentoring others (Titus 2:3-4), and ultimately being Christ-like (1 John 3:6) which can often include implementing various spiritual disciplines.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Abraham’s spiritual journey is seen in the way he trusted God's promises and stepped out in faith, as seen when he obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4) and later when asked to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-12).
• Moses’ spiritual journey is marked by his response to God’s call to deliver Israel from Egypt. He trusted God's guidance despite his initial doubts (Exodus 3:10-12) and his faith grew as it was tested during the plagues (Exodus 7-12) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22).
• David’s spiritual journey from a young shepherd to a king was characterized by his trust in God’s protection and guidance. His trust in God's promises was seen when he faced Goliath with faith (1 Samuel 17:45-47) and in his pursuit of God despite personal failings (Psalm 51). His heart for God is evident in his worship through psalms (Psalm 23:1-4) and repentance (Psalm 51:10-12).
• Elijah’s journey was shaped by his faith in God’s power and provision, such as when he confidently challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39). Despite facing threats and isolation (1 Kings 19:1-18), Elijah trusted in God's ongoing provision and direction for his life.
• Daniel trusted in God’s sovereignty throughout the course of his life, as seen in his refusal to eat the king’s food (Daniel 1:8-16) and his commitment to pray despite the risk of punishment (Daniel 6:10-23). Daniel’s faith was also seen in his boldness to interpret dreams, demonstrating God's wisdom and guidance (Daniel 2:17-23).
• Job’s spiritual journey was one of endurance and trust in God amid suffering. Despite losing everything, he proclaimed his trust in God's sovereignty (Job 1:20-22) and wrestled with understanding God’s purposes through his suffering (Job 3-42). Ultimately, his faith was restored as he acknowledged God's wisdom and omnipotence (Job 42:1-6).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Fellowshipping with and serving the church—the universal body of believers—is essential for any Christ-follower (1 Corinthians 12). Since a spiritual journey isn't just about learning but about applying knowledge, learning and applying one's spiritual gift(s) within a local church is important.
• Paul said the Holy Spirit's process of changing our hearts will take a lifetime (Philippians 1:6). It takes a heart willing to work with the Holy Spirit to develop spiritual maturity.
• Christian leadership is important in the Christian’s spiritual journey. Churches should be led by those who are mature in their spiritual journeys, which could include people such as elders, deacons, small group leaders, and Sunday school teachers. Some qualifications for elders and deacons are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
• Christian mentorship is also an important part in a person’s spiritual journey. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy, "what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." We are called to teach and lead others into a deeper relationship with Christ; part of the Christian’s spiritual journey is helping others progress in theirs (Titus 2:3-4).
• As new believers, we need to have a basic understanding of God so that we can begin our spiritual journey with sound doctrine. We should “long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation" (1 Peter 2:2). The milk mentioned in this verse is an explanation of Who God is, Who Christ is, and what Christ has done for us.
• Practicing spiritual disciplines that are exemplified throughout the Bible can help us mature in our spiritual journeys. 1 John 3:6 says: “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” Becoming God’s child means that our actions will start to venture away from old sins and start to align with our new identity. Such actions may include spiritual disciplines like having a quiet time or praying regularly.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

"Spiritual journey" is a metaphor for how spiritual beliefs change and develop. The phrase is common both within the New Age movement and in Christian churches. In New Age philosophy, a spiritual journey is an intentional search to find the relationship between oneself and the universe. Searchers use aspects of Buddhism, New Age philosophy, and "laws of attraction" to manipulate the world to give them what they want. The New Age concept of spiritual journey is not only unbiblical; it is dangerous, as it opens the door to demonic involvement. Just because the New Age movement uses the same phrase, however, does not make it inherently wrong.

The phrase "spiritual journey" is also used as the name of a discipleship method in many Christian churches. This discipleship may take believers through classes that include instruction about Christianity and the local church, Christian disciplines, ministry involvement, mentorship, and leadership. In broad terms, there is nothing wrong with putting a metaphor onto a church's curriculum to develop spiritual maturity, as long as the curriculum is Bible-based. Ultimately, the Christian’s spiritual journey doesn't require formal classes or steps—it is simply intentionally learning how to be more like Christ and abiding in Him (John 15). Our spiritual journey is both a daily and lifelong process, ending only when we see Jesus face-to-face (1 John 3:2).

UNDERSTAND

• The spiritual journey is a continuous process of becoming more like Christ.
• Our spiritual journey is shaped by the Holy Spirit as we abide in Christ.
• Spiritual growth on our spiritual journey should come from living in community and engaging in spiritual disciplines.

REFLECT

• How are you relying on the Holy Spirit to grow and guide you on your spiritual journey?
• How are you leaning into community as part of your spiritual journey?
• Where would you like to grow in Christ-likeness and how are you intentionally relying on God to grow you in those areas?

ENGAGE

• How can we help others to see that our spiritual journeys toward Christ-likeness are lifelong?
• What are some practical ways we can prioritize Christian mentorship and community in our spiritual journeys?
• How do we differentiate between a Christian spiritual journey and the New Age interpretation of the term?