Isn't being nice the same as being spiritual? Isn't that enough?

Is it spiritual? Here is a question we often hear, "If I am a "Nice Person," isn’t that considered spiritual? Well, that depends. For instance, in being nice are we following the leading of the Spirit to render support to someone with no strings attached? Or, are we still acting from conditioning to “people please,” or “manipulate” in some fashion, hoping for a certain result we might have in mind? Are we “Being Nice,” to gain approval from others or avoid confrontation? The list of possible reasons for certain actions could be endless, but as you can see, what is visible on the outside could originate from many different motives. As Spirit-led Christians, the real questions to ask ourselves might look a little different. For instance, “When I am “Being Nice,” am I operating from the “old man” nature or the “New?” Am I appeasing my flesh or someone else's? Have I checked in with ”The Great He," before taking action so I can operate in Godly wisdom?

Is it enough? We also might hear this question, “I am a nice person; so isn't that enough? Why would I need Jesus?" Once again, in evaluating this, the same kind of questions apply, “Enough for what? Based on what standard?” If one's purpose in life is to simply show kindness from time to time, then I suppose there would not be much to discuss going forward. But if the goal is to become all God has for us, fully transformed souls motivated and moved by the Spirit of God at all times, then only the Holy Spirit can offer a total nature change. That is where the Shepherd Jesus and Christ within can help.

What is the end goal of a Spirit-led life? Showing consideration for others is always a good thing; however, this does not take the place of going through a thourough nature change by the Spirit which would eventually expose and address all of our motives, behavior, and consciousness on every level. In keeping our eyes on this end goal, we realize that we have much learning and transformation ahead even if we are already a person who tries to show some basic respect whenever possible.

Developing wisdom with knowledge: There is one more thing to consider here. What if we check into the Holy Spirit and are led to say “no” from time to time or back away from a given situation, leaving some folks feeling that we are “not nice” in the process? Truly caring for someone means that we have to trust God in how we are being guided but the resulting path we take may not be well received by others based on their ideas of what is “being nice.” It takes time to not only deepen our relationship with Christ within so we can respond to the guidance, but to learn how to operate with wisdom in addition to knowledge, keeping our first allegiance with Christ.

When is “Being Nice” considered spriritual? “Being Nice,” could mean a lot of things to a lot of people; and no matter how spiritually advanced we think we are, we could all still use some help from the Christ within to get beyond our remaining self-based “human nature” habits even if we are basically kind-hearted. In returning to the original question, “Is being nice spiritual?"…yes, it is, if our actions originate from a leading or prompting of the Holy Spirit or is an expression of our New Nature involving Fruit of the Spirit. 

"About being nice" is written by Ann M. Wolf © 2016, All rights reserved.

Check Understanding:

Question for discussion or add your answers to your notebook:

1. What is the difference between “being nice,” coming from the old nature or giving support and encouragement from the New Nature in Christ?
2. How can holding to the Holy Spirit for guidance help in knowing when or how to help others?

Apply Understanding: 

Discuss or notate how you would like to apply what you have learned or what the Holy Ghost has reminded you of with this Lesson; and jot your thoughts down about the following questions as well:

1. If my heart is moved to “be nice,” or to want to help someone, what is a good spiritual strategy to use in order to discern what to do or what not to do in providing support and encouragement?