A reader wrote our ministry:

God has been opening my eyes to the fact that this world is not all there is, but there is a true spiritual battle going on. I want to be at a church where people are living in the reality of the spiritual realm and not just saying they believe it but then living like only this is reality. What cautions/advice do you have to offer?

I certainly understand the sentiment expressed in this comment. I would like to see more vibrancy in churches, more purity, more abandonment, more sold-out commitment to Christ. I would like to see it expressed in the overflowing joy of Christ, in risking rejection in sharing the gospel, risking being called fools to stand for Jesus, and to speak up for the unborn, and being willing to sell our possessions and give to the poor and live in more modest houses and drive more modest cars, and turn off the TV and put down the smart phone to spend time with God. I would like to see more vibrant, Christ-exalting living—first in myself, and then in the Christian community as a whole.

But we need to be careful and discerning. There are groups of people who enjoy displays of the supernatural that are not true works of the Holy Spirit but productions of their desire to “see more” and “hear more” and reflect a susceptibility to power of suggestion from others. A few questions are necessary. Are they in fact more sexually pure and less materialistic, for instance, than the church at large? Are they more obedient and servant-hearted? Or are they just more excitable when it comes to miracles? When fascination with or involvement in the supernatural is separated from the disciplines of daily following Christ, it is a dangerous thing. (I know people who were seemingly following Christ based on their bold statements about the unseen realm and their great insights into demons, but in fact were not.)

I am all for miracles, and I believe God does them. But I am skeptical at times because sometimes these claims are unaccompanied by the disciplines of godly living. For instance, when someone is constantly having “supernatural experiences” but is addicted to internet pornography or is being unfaithful to their marriage vows, or is living in pride and self-congratulation, then obviously something is seriously wrong.

A thirst for awareness of the spiritual realm is understandable. I share it. For years, as a young Christian, I would pray that God would send me supernatural signs and wonders. I heard of people having angels appear, and I wanted to see them too. I prayed for at least a year, almost daily, sometimes weeping, that God would give me the ability to speak in another tongue. But over the years, I have learned to see the supernatural in countless divine appointments and moments brought to me by my Savior each day. I am all for the supernatural, and I believe God is doing a supernatural work in me often, perhaps even right this moment, but I don’t think the spiritual life involves working yourself into a frenzy. In Scripture I see the Holy Spirit doing miracles, but not people making it happen themselves or pretending it is happening when it isn’t.

So my advice is this: choose a church carefully, wisely, biblically. Make sure not simply that the doctrinal statement is solid, but that the Word of God is preached; that people are not elevated above Christ and the message; and that experiences do not overshadow the Scriptures, but are seen through the lens of God’s Word.