What is the meaning of spirituality from a biblical perspective?

Answer 1

The word "spirituality" isn't in The Bible... so it has no "biblical meaning."

Its meaning might best be categorized under "vain false religions of men" who are so intrigued by the "spirit world" and its "mysteries."

In which case the Bible does voice its perspective on that:

"...This title was written on her forehead: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished." (Rev.17:5-6 NIV)

Another perspective:While the word "spirituality" isn't in the Bible, the word "spiritual" is, and its meaning is profound. (It's also interesting to note that of the 26 times the word appears in the New King James translation, all but one are in the New Testament.)

From a Bible perspective, to be "spiritual" is to "belong to the Divine Spirit; one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God."

1 Corinthians 14:37 - If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

Spirituality must not be confused with "spiritualism," which is defined as "the belief or doctrine that the spirits of the dead, surviving after the mortal life, can and do communicate with the living, esp. through a person (a medium) particularly susceptible to their influence."

Spiritualism is the "worldly" approach to things unseen, and it is soundly condemned in the Bible. Spirituality is the "Godly" approach to the world beyond, and it is not only encouraged, it is essential if one is to have any hope of understanding Godly things...

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

It is spirituality - the influence of God's Spirit within - that enables believers to stop behaving like "mere men" and start behaving like "men of God."

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 - And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

[Quotes from NKJV]