Have you ever heard of the four physical positions of spiritual condition? Probably not, since I made it up. Anyhow, for those of you (like me) who like visual aids, these four positions remind us of where we are spiritually. Believe it or not, one of them describes you!
Couch potato
When speaking to a group, I ask everyone to slouch in their chair (or pew) like a couch potato (some of them have already beat me to it). I joke with any young people in the group that they are rather good at it. I then ask them what they think this position symbolizes spiritually. The answer is: spiritual indifference.
The apostle Paul wrote to believers in Corinth (Greece): “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14) This explains why some unbelievers can read the Bible or hear a biblical message, and get nothing from it. Their attitude of spiritual indifference blocks the truth of God’s Word from penetrating their hearts.
Ram-rod straight
I then ask my “couch potatoes” to sit up in their seats ram-rod straight. This is quite a shock for some of the youth who have never tried it before! Again, I ask them what this position might symbolize spiritually. The answer is: spiritual openness or searching.
The prophet Jeremiah spoke on behalf of God when he wrote, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 Jesus reaffirmed this truth when he said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) This person is ready to become a believer because their hearts are spiritually open and seeking.
Stand up
I then ask my “seekers” to stand up. I again ask them what this position might symbolize. Most are catching on by this time and say, “Becoming a believer.” Yes, standing up signifies taking a stand (or making a decision) unashamedly to accept Jesus into your life and commit yourself to follow him.
The apostle John wrote, “Yet to all who did receive him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he (God) gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) And the apostle Paul penned, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) A favorite Gospel song is titled “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” This is the most important spiritual turning point in anyone’s life.
Arms up
While my audience is still standing, I then ask them to raise their hands in the air. I then say, “Oh my, I’ve made you all Pentecostals!” (who says you can’t have a little fun in church). I ask them what they think this position symbolizes. The answer: being spiritually active, growing and serving.
God wants all his children to be active in service (not just a select few). The apostle Paul describes various spiritual gifts (or abilities) such as prophesying (proclaiming), serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and showing mercy. He then writes, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11) Sadly, some believers never grow into spiritual maturity. Through disobedience, they remain spiritual babies. Paul describes them as “worldly”, “mere infants in Christ” and still drinking spiritual “milk” and not “solid food.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)
There you have it – the four physical positions of spiritual condition. Which one best describes you? Are you still a spiritual couch potato? Or are you spiritually open and searching? Are you ready to stand up as a believer? Or are your arms already outstretched in active service and ministry?
In my 68 years, I’ve progressed through all four stages. I sincerely hope you’ll join me in the last one. If so, your spirit will no longer languish, but flourish!
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
