"You need to be more spiritual," a well-meaning church member advised us recently.
What did this church member mean? Piecing together several conversations, she meant that we should manifest spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, and be more expressive in our "worship" (that is, singing).

Which got us thinking: if we don't experience these more dramatic gifts of the Holy Spirit, like speaking in tongues, does that mean we are less "spiritual"? Are we missing out on an essential ingredient in our Christian life? And does this mean a church where members do speak in tongues and are more emotional in their singing is more spiritual?

I don't think so. Not according to my reading of the Bible. Among other things, the Spirit works to transform us, and those who keep in step with the Spirit will manifest the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). These are the true marks of a "spiritual" person.