A man who is unspiritual refuses what belongs to the Spirit of God; it is folly to him; he cannot grasp it, because it needs to be judged in the light of the Spirit. A man gifted with the Spirit can judge the worth of everything. 1 Cor. 2:14, 15, N.E.B.

The reception and enjoyment of anything depends on our capacity to receive and enjoy. This is true in music, art, literature, religion, Jesus Christ. Our capacity of heart and mind precedes the bestowment of whatever blessings and inspirations are contained within these riches. The appreciation of these things depends upon the state of our minds.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace. Do we have a spiritual mind to receive it? He who is capable of the highest emotions can feel the beauty of God's world that He created. He who becomes a son of God and develops a spiritual mind, can freely enter into all that which is of God. God gives to us the riches of His kingdom only as our minds are fitted for them. God will not let us inherit the new earth unless we have a taste and an appetite for it. To the carnal-minded, heaven would be totally at odds with their desires and hopes. Who can possess beauty but those who love beauty? Who can possess love if he is possessed by hate? Who can possess the love of a good woman except a good man?

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8). Only the pure in heart can stand to see God. Only those who develop a spiritual mind can enjoy God. Since God is love, how can God dwell in any heart but that which has the capacity for such a love? How could a man enjoy the harmony of heaven who is not in tune with God?

Religion can easily be a superficial thing, a mere veneer that we wear to church. It is possible to pick up a few religious facts and texts so that we are not strangers to religion. For fellowship with God and fellow Christians there must be a new capacity for God and for His truth.

We may talk about religion. We may study the doctrines. We may go to church and listen to sermons on the fundamentals of the faith. But do we have a capacity for Christ in our minds and lives? Ceremonies are nothing. Christ means very little to the man who has little or nothing in common with Him.