Earlier this week, we explored (briefly) the relationship between a person's spirit and his body. Today, let's take a look at what bridges the two: the soul. Watchman Nee, who writes about this in his book called The Spiritual Man, brings for the notion that the soul is the essence of man. For a body is really just a movable bag of water, and a spirit has no form or substance with which to effect change upon its world. Bring these two together with a soul, however, and truly something wonderful is made manifest.
But what does the soul do for us? Of great importance is its function as the seat of our emotions. Brother Nee uses many scriptures to support this claim, but this is my favorite...
Psalm 84:2 [NKJV]
My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
There is something truly moving about these three lines. And take note of who is doing the longing and the fainting. It is the soul. And from that deep desire flow the cries of the heart and flesh.
Emotions are powerful, and necessary, and beautiful, and terrifying. However, they must never take precedence over the spirit. For emotions cannot truly connect to the Lord. Only a person's spirit can speak to the Holy Spirit. And this verse conveys that proper relationship. The Spirit of God speaks to the spirit of this man. His spirit, in obedience & submission to the Father, directs his soul to long for Almighty God. In response, the body cries out.
Who is in charge of your life, brothers and sisters? Are you tossed about on seas of stormy emotions? One day on fire for God, the next in the depths of depression? Do you believe only when you're happy and full of joy? Then perhaps your soul has taken over the authority of your spirit. If so, it is time to focus on the things of the Spirit. Understand His word. Get to know His voice. Be aware of His constant presence. And heed, without question and without fear, His commands. In so doing, you will bring glory to Christ.
Be encouraged, Jose
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