“What is running your life at any given moment is your soul.”
Dallas Willard
Christian author, Dallas Willard, describes the soul as “the life-center of the human being.” It is the hub through which our minds, feelings, bodies, spirits, and relationships flow. You have heard the saying, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody is happy.” That also holds true with our souls. If our souls are not healthy, then the rest of us will be affected. But when our souls are thriving, all other aspects of our life will experience the abundant life God promised.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 11:26 to not neglect our souls. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” How do we turn our backs on our souls and what are the ramifications of that?
The soul is one of the most important things in our lives, but sadly it is the least attended, in part because we are not consciously aware of it. Our busyness causes us to ignore it, forget it is there and underrate its significance. But our souls are connected to God and when we drop the ball on our concern or priority of it, then our relationships with God are hindered.
Besides not giving our souls attention, we neglect our souls when we don’t deal with our wounds, fears, shame, loss, and unmet expectations. When these issues are not addressed and taken care of, they disrupt our souls. As a result, we experience anxiety, depression, and possible physical illness. Believing lies from the enemy about who God is and who He created us to be, interrupts our congruence with God and our true selves. Be careful with what or to whom you align yourself.
Choosing to live in rebellion against God by submitting to false gods and walking in sin are other ways we neglect our souls. God has given us boundaries for our protection and our souls’ benefit. Instead of running our own lives, we cherish our souls by surrendering to God. Our souls need connection, but sin distances us from God and others.
I know something is not right within my soul when I lose my peace and contentment. When this happens, I need to pause and ask myself if I am neglecting my soul and what my soul needs for restoration. Next week’s post will cover the steps to having a healthy soul.
“One whose aim is anything less than obedience to the law of God in the Spirit and power of Jesus will never have a soul at rest in God and will never advance significantly in spiritual transformation into Christlikeness.”
Dallas Willard
Relevant Reflection:
In what ways do you neglect your soul?
Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay
Comentarios