“Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].” (1 Thessalonians 5:22-24 AMP)
REFLECTION
There are many different views about the difference between spirit and soul, and if there actually is a difference. I currently think that soul means our mind, will and emotions (though I remain open to the Lord’s correction). Whatever the actual meaning may be, it’s clear to me that spirit – soul – body are interconnected, and I want every aspect of my being to be fully yielded to our merciful Maker, and His sanctifying and transforming process, at all times.
Every beloved believer is part of the body of Christ — Christ being the Head — and we are all in the marvellous and (at times) messy preparation-for-eternity process together. And within that unity, each precious person is wonderfully unique, so what helps / hinders one may not help / hinder another. For example: I need healthy boundaries and accountability in the following areas: healthy eating and physical fitness, because I struggle to stay consistent with healthy habits in these areas, which impacts my physical health, emotions, relationships, work etc. Our caring Creator, the perfect One who made us, knows each one of us better than we know ourselves. And He designed us to need Him and each other. So let’s seek to stay close to Him and fellow followers of Christ, as we journey onward and upward together.
PRAYER POEM
Loving Lord, You alone are perfect in every way. May every beloved believer stay focused on You — the author and perfector of our faith — every moment of every day. Keep me sensitive and in sync with You and my forever family, as we prayerfully prepare for the day we will see You — our King, our Everything — face to face, in that glorious place of grace.
