This could be referred to as the state or condition of a person’s spiritual life, character, and inner being. Or shaped by your relationship with God, your moral character, and the way you live according to God’s word. It is closely linked to your spiritual health, purity, and the reflection of God’s character and goodness in your life.
The Bible doesn’t explicitly discuss “spiritual complexion” as we understand complexion today (i.e., skin tone). However, I’ll provide some insights on biblical concepts related to spiritual appearance or characteristics.
Spiritual Conditions
- Clean and Unclean: The Bible distinguishes between clean and unclean states, often related to ritual purity (Leviticus 11-15). Being “clean” spiritually implies a right relationship with God.
- Light and Darkness: Light symbolizes goodness, wisdom, and God’s presence (1 John 1:5-7), while darkness represents evil and separation from God (Matthew 6:23).
- Pure and Impure Heart: A pure heart is one focused on God, free from sin and deceit (Matthew 5:8). An impure heart is characterized by sinful thoughts and actions (Matthew 15:18-20).
- Spiritual Blindness: This refers to a lack of spiritual understanding or awareness, often resulting from sin or hardness of heart (John 9:39-41, 2 Corinthians 4:4).
- Spiritual Fruit: The spiritual characteristics, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control, as fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Ways to Alter Spiritual Complexion
- Repentance and Forgiveness
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Altering your spiritual complexion starts with repentance—acknowledging sins and asking for God’s forgiveness. This act cleanses and renews your spiritual state, restoring your relationship with God. - Transformation through the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are transformed into new creations. This internal renewal changes one’s spiritual complexion to reflect Christ more deeply. - Renewing the Mind
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” A key step to altering your spiritual complexion is changing how you think. Regular study of Scripture, prayer, and meditating on God’s Word reshapes the mind, which leads to a changed heart and actions. - Putting Off the Old Nature and Putting On the New
Colossians 3:9-10: “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Changing your spiritual complexion involves discarding sinful behaviors (the “old self”) and adopting new, godly behaviors (the “new self”). This includes walking in love, humility, patience, and other Christ-like qualities. - Sanctification (Ongoing Process of Becoming Holy)
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.” Sanctification is an ongoing process by which a believer is gradually transformed into the image of Christ. This process, led by the Holy Spirit, refines your spiritual complexion by removing impurities and increasing holiness. - Walking in the Light
1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Living a life of integrity and transparency before God and others purifies your spiritual complexion. Walking in the light involves living truthfully and allowing God’s light to shine through you. - Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” A clear reflection of a renewed spiritual complexion is the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life. This is the visible sign of spiritual transformation and maturity. - Regular Self-Examination and Confession
2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” Regularly examining your spiritual life and confessing any areas of weakness or sin helps you stay spiritually healthy. This prevents spiritual stagnation and encourages growth. - Abiding in Christ
John 15:4: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” Consistent, close fellowship with Christ is necessary for spiritual vitality. Abiding in Christ ensures that His life, power, and grace flow into your life, altering your spiritual complexion to reflect His likeness. - Prayer and Communion with God
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Altering your spiritual complexion involves a process of deepening your relationship with God, repenting from sin, and being transformed by the Holy Spirit. As you renew your mind, walk in holiness, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and abide in Christ, your spiritual life will reflect a godly character, becoming more aligned with Christ’s image.
