What is the Soul?

Sometime back my Pastor/Husband answered this question for our church.

Quoting G.L. Hutchman…….

Our physical Body – Our earth suit.

(inanimate without the soul – we relate to the environment)

Soul

Life to the Body (Mind, Will and Emotions) God breathed LIFE (Soul) into Adam.  With our soul we relate to others.

Spirit

Last week Diane spoke about the battle she had recently faced and lost when the “ugly” words escaped from her mouth. She grieved over it.

Anita spoke about how our homes need upkeep and likened it to our spiritual lives. These were good words of wisdom from wise women of God; women who daily surrender their souls to Christ.

There is an ongoing battle in and for their lives (their soul) and ours.

Paul said he has been crucified with Christ, he no longer lives but Christ lives in him. His body is alive but he surrendered his life (his soul) to obedience in serving Christ. In Galatians 2:20 When Paul spoke of dying with Christ, it was the Pharisee Saul he was referring to. What he was and did up to that time was of no value in his estimate. Saul did not know Christ; he operated according his own wisdom. Once Saul met Christ that life was over. However like our dear Sister Diane, even Paul had his struggles from time to time. Just read Romans chapter 7.

What does surrendering the soul really mean? What does it look like in daily living? Paul spoke about that in Galatians 2:20. A surrendered soul (life) allows God’s spirit to dominate every aspect of life. In my life that is much easier said than done. Even though my desire is to live according to the Holy Spirit’s leading once in a while Donna’s spirit resurfaces. Donna’s spirit says things in a harsh manner, resents inconveniences and interruptions, and believes that those who have done her wrong may not deserve forgiveness. Thankfully that doesn’t set well with me for very long. I have the Holy Spirit speaking wisdom to my troubled heart. There goes the battle. I am so very thankful that I surrendered my life (soul) to Jesus Christ many years ago. Life continues to happen, obstacles, distractions, and “unfair” circumstances bombard me. The choice to surrender should be made daily. As life happens I should heed to the voice of wisdom (Holy Spirit) daily.

As women in ministry we may appear to others as having arrived. But truly we are all fighting the battle that Paul spoke about in Romans. My desire is to live the life he spoke about in….

Making the choices that God guides me to have proven to be a much better path than leaning on my own understanding would have ever taken me on. The moments and days I live by faith even though circumstances indicate I should go another route prove Him over and over again. He loves me and desires the best for me. If I choose His way it’s always a good choice. He gave His life for me; I desire to live my life for Him. A surrendered soul!

Praying for your surrender,

Donna