Chapter 9 - Natural Things Matter Too
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV)
It is essential that we understand we are triune beings. We are spirits, who have a soul, and live in a body. Your spirit is the inner, real you, while your soul is made up of your mind, will, and emotions.
The intended, perfect order of these three areas is spirit first, soul second, and body third.
While they do have this order of importance and priority, all three parts affect the others. They are inseparable. No one part of your being is completely self isolated. They are all created by God, and as such, He intended that they work together in harmony. Yet, failing to connect the dots, people often don’t see how neglecting any one part can affect the others, and end up finding themselves in less than desirable circumstances, whether it be primarily in the area they’ve most neglected, or, because all are connected, in one or more of the others as well.
For example, you could see negative effects of a malnourished spirit or unstable soul in the physical body. In other cases, you may see a well nourished body have a positive effect on the soul.
Think of yourself in terms of a three legged stool. If any one of the three legs is weak or damaged, it creates potential for pain and injury when weight is put on the stool.
Neglecting or undervaluing the natural, physical realm doesn’t somehow increase the percentage of us that is spirit, making us more spiritual. You don’t become spiritually stronger by ignoring the needs and design of your physical body.
Only the nourishment and exercise of any given area is what makes that particular area strong.
