May God Holy Spirit be praised for He gave you Understanding of the Word. The conclusion is very vital: we should not alter the Word of God just because our own definition and understanding of a verse is dear to us, and because we get an applaud from others. Alteration of the Word of God is a subtle sin clothed in spiritual understanding that creates in the individuals life and the Churches to disorder. Like the example you gave..... we exchange the expensive shoe that doesn't fit than cutting our heels corners to fit in the shoe :)
By saying this is Jesus is a sprit ? He told for his disciples that he not sprit , on Luke gospel ,Luke 24 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. That’s all about western teaching , even If I have great respect to Dr mayels most of this kind of teaching “we are sprit “comes from him . 1 Thessalonians 5 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.