The faculty of spiritual Understanding is important in developing our spiritual nature. It is the faculty that puts a foundation or feet under our prayers, and authenticity to our imagination. It is an entity that introduces structure, rules, guidelines, and spiritual laws by which we are to live. Spiritual understanding is a spiritual birth; a mystical revelation within the heart of man from the omnipotent, all-knowing God. It makes strong our spiritual practice and affords us a solid foundation on which to depend. With spiritual understanding comes insight, and persons who have it have a new light on the scriptures and is confident within self without seeking the approval of others.

The story of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ is an interesting and clear comparison of intellectual and spiritual understanding. As it illustrates the level of spiritual awakening of both men. John the Baptist had not yet reached full spirituality and awareness; therefore, his level of spiritual development can be categorized as intellectual understanding.  On the other hand, Jesus’ development represents total and complete spiritual understanding.  Intellectual understanding comes first in the soul’s development, then deeper understanding of principles follows.

John the Baptist was a great man, he was heart centered, well studied, spiritually inclined in seeking Truth through books and other outside sources. He came first and pointed the way for Jesus.

Imagine yourself with loads of intellectual power and prowess, due to copious reading from books, manuscripts, media, other pertinent sources, and informed people. This information is great, but it has no spiritual reference, it needs to be practiced and demonstrated under the direction of the Almighty.  In other words, we need to become one with the One. Intellectual information is important and very necessary, for the reason that it refers to knowledge that is much needed in any genre. However, this knowledge alone never ensures life, health, peace, nor riches and honor.