We do all sorts of things to prevent ourselves from getting unwell and in seeking to prevent disease, colds, flu and viruses. But do we pay the same attention to the survival of our souls? There is such a focus on diseases that we believe threaten our bodies, yet so many of us fail to heal and strengthen the core of who we are – our souls, which often needs far more healing and protecting than our bodies.
It’s like we’ve become complacent about the issues that really threaten us. We say no to flu and other diseases, actively seeking prevention and a cure or vaccine, yet we knowingly say yes to sin; our greed, un-forgiveness, dishonesty, hatred, racism, violence and lust. Yes our bodies need attention, but our souls do too.
Sin is the worst kind of disease and enslaver of our soulsa nd will always steal from us, eventually even affecting our overall health. We lie, cheat, gossip, struggle with our pride and arrogance, yell, get offended and then remain stuck in this place where we deny we have an issue, or knowingly fail to do something about the things we know are destroying us from the inside out. Sin can be deeply entrenched and until we acknowledge its existence we will simply push it aside and continue as we are, allowing our sinning to become a destructive habit.
Some of us if we do acknowledge our lack, think if we just try harder by the strength of our will to be a nicer person, to give to the poor, go to church, read the bible, pray and worship more we will attend to our souls. But the fact is we can only really override our sin habits by sheer willpower for a short time.
The biggest hope we have for real change and true soul survival is a new set of habits and lifestyle and acquiring these things is going to take more than will power. It’s going to take accessing God’s power and being in relationship with Him everyday.
Jesus said it this way; “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11;28-30 MSG)
Today there are many people busy focusing on their bodies survival, but perhaps we could also spare a thought for our soul’s survival too? Jesus said that the cure for our souls is and has always been the same: Acknowledge and confess our sin and it’s habits, get to know Him, study what He teaches in His Word, be in relationship with Him and others (break bread together), and replace old habits with new Jesus habits. You’ll discover that is where real freedom and health lies.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“He Heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” (Psalm 147:2)
Prayer: Lord please help me to tend to my soul health as much as I do my physical health. That I would be healthy on both the inside and the outside. Thank you for teaching me how to live freely and lightly today and that I would continue to build your kind of habits in my life. In Jesus name Amen.