A Much Needed Understanding of Spirituality in the Midst of Covid Pandemic

Spirituality is simply manifesting our inner being.

 According to scholars, we are composed of three (3) elements: body, soul, and spirit. Our physical body is the outer covering which, according to science, has the same composition as the soil. This finding supports the Biblical writing that we were created from the dust of the ground. Our soul, on the other hand, consists of the mind, will, and emotion. It usually comprises our personality as formed by the way we think, act on our decision, and react to situations. Last is our spirit which is believed to be either an old spirit or a new spirit. Old spirit is when sin thrives and we never allow ourselves to be changed internally; whereas, a new spirit is when we have renewed our relationship with our Creator by making Him the ruler of our lives, thereby, giving us a new and transformed life. The new spirit is what others call as the recreated spirit where sin nature is done away with.
​
Looking inwardly, the value of spirituality gives us the ability to walk in righteousness as our new spirit is divine. It serves as the foundation for holy living. At this state, the sin habits were dealt with internally. It is only when our soul and body opens up for evil desires that we go back to sinful lifestyle. It is vital therefor to uplift and nurture our spirit in order to remain upright. Our spirit must be strong enough to subdue the dictates of our soul and body. Accordingly, if our spirit is weak, we keep going back to our old, wicked ways with less chances to arrest them. Our pursuit for godliness is hampered and overridden by our depraved inclinations. 

Outwardly, spirituality plays a vital role in our attempt to realize good governance in the country. Based on countless testimonies, it was revealed that those who are spiritual have greater chances to resist temptation coupled with the courage to stand for integrity at all cost. The Civil Service Commission finds this essential and needful. They enforced spirituality as one of the core values that all civil servants must observe. According to them, strengthening our spirituality is the way by which we can change our heart and thought pattern. They believed that when our heart is changed, everything changes – thought pattern, attitude, priorities, character or behavior, and conversation or communication. Consequently, a changed life will eventually result to a changed family, society, and nation.

It is also worth emphasizing that spirituality is not the same as religiosity. It is not the observance of religious rites or obligations. Being devout to religious vows is not an assurance of spirituality though it can be the fruit thereof. Only when we resolve to live a godly life that we can be spiritual. It should be our ultimate goal during this time of adversity. It should not be a traditional resolution but a sincere and unwavering commitment for total reformation. ​(NAS, CRFV)