US - PART 2 - OUR HUMAN SPIRIT
US PART 2 - OUR HUMAN SPIRIT
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23
"For the Word of God is quick(living) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
"With my soul have I desired You in the night; yes, with my spirit within me will I seek You early..." Isaiah 26:9
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26
INDEX:
THE TABERNACLE, THE TEMPLE, AND US
MAN, A TRIUNE BEING
THE NATURAL REALM AND THE SPIRITUAL REALM
OUR SPIRIT
THE NEW BIRTH TRANSFORMATION
OUR SPIRIT REACHING OUT TO GOD
WHAT IS OUR SPIRIT?
MANAGING OUR SPIRIT
OUR SPIRIT, GUARDING OUR SPIRIT
OUR SPIRITS ARE VULNERABLE
A BRIEF LOOK AT IDOLATRY, A WORK OF THE FLESH, A SIN OF THE SPIRIT.
DEFILED INSIDE AND OUT - WHEN THE LIGHT INSIDE YOU IS DARKNESS
KEEPING OUR SPIRIT CLEAR: NEGATIVE OR SINFUL VALUES
WOUNDS THAT NEED HEALING
WOUNDS
BEWARE OF SAYING "NO" TO GOD
THE PRICELESS VALUE OF HUMILITY
CONCLUSION
THE TABERNACLE, THE TEMPLE, AND US
As human beings we are a most wonderful creation. Our spirit is the core of our person, and through our spirit we begin our journey with God our Creator.
(I am using this as a similitude. It is not a doctrine! and some of the thoughts I am putting for are not canonized doctrines, so please consider them as such. If the Bible does not emphasize something, then we must always be leery of focusing on it as well. I have written this as a personal point of interest and with the attempt to point out some areas of interest that I have observed from the Scriptures of the Bible and through life experiences. My hope and prayer is that this will help you in you walk with Jesus amid the many battles of life).
In the Old Testament, we can picture the Tabernacle in the Wilderness as a picture of the human being. The outer court is the like the flesh, where all the natural rites are carried out - the sacrifices and the washings.
Then they had the Inner Court, or the Holy Place, that is like our soul (our inner person) where both the natural and spiritual exercises take place. In the Inner Court or the Holy Place the priests daily enter and carry out the offering of incense (which represents prayer), and the daily placing of fresh showbread (which represents the Word of God). These activities require both the physical and the spiritual.
Then there is the Holy of Holies. This is like the spirit of man. In the Holy of Holies was where the Spirit of the Lord dwelt. There was a veil as a barrier between the holy place and the Holy of Holies. The Ark of the Covenant was placed there which contained the tablets of the Law given to Moses. On top was the mercy seat which was overshadowed by two cherubim, and over which the Spirit of God would reside. As Christians, the Spirit of God resides in our spirit. In the Tabernacle, that is the only place where God would dwell among men until Jesus came. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the day of atonement after perfectly following the prescribed atoning sacrifices for himself and for the people. Should he fail and enter the presence of God with his sin still not atoned for, he would die.
When all the tabernacle and its trappings were completed along with the prescribes sacrifices according to the commandment given to Moses, the Spirit of God came down and filled the tabernacle Exodus 40:34, which is like unto the baptism of the Holy Spirit, where the whole person is filled with the Spirit of God. Under the Old Testament, that did not happen often, but in Christ Jesus, that can or should be a daily experience. "Hear, oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:29-30 NIV This obviously requires our entire being. "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18 This is interesting, because the focus here is on our physical body more specifically.
MAN, A TRIUNE BEING 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Considering the Scriptures it appears that we humans are a triune being composed of spirit, soul, and body. Now this is a great mystery and perhaps only in heaven will we get a complete and accurate understanding. The topic of the soul and the spirit in particular is very difficult, and if the Scriptures did not state there is a difference, then we could almost assume that they are just different expressions of the same. But apparently there is a difference.
THE NATURAL REALM AND THE SPIRITUAL REALM
Our science has not been able to study the spiritual because the functions of the spiritual are totally separate from the natural realm. Our science of today, neat as it is, has not yet recognized the spiritual realm. The Natural Realm is studied on the functioning principles of the natural universe which are naturally observable and are manipulated by natural means. The spiritual realm on the other hand is observed from a spiritual perspective and by spiritual means. The spiritual does run parallel to the natural universe but functions on completely different principles. "For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God no man knows, but the Spirit of God...which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:11,13-14
When there is an interaction between the two, supernatural occurrences take place in the natural. Often they will be labeled as coincidences or luck, fluke, magic, and the like, but also miracles. Many great warriors, good or evil, have been know to have spiritual or superstitious tendencies because they all knew that no matter how well equipped, trained, superior their forces were, there are always uncontrollable forces at play that could easily change their fate. "And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the Lord, He said, 'You shall not go up; but go up around behind them and come at them over against the Mulberry trees. And let it be,when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the Mulberry trees, that you shall act quickly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.' Then David did just as the Lord had commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer." 2 Samuel 5:22-25 KJ and NAV
"How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?" Deuteronomy 32:30
Not to mention all the miracles, most of which especially demonstrated in the life of our Lord Jesus - all the healing, the casting out of devils, the feeding of the thousands, Jesus walking on the water, the virgin birth, and Jesus' Resurrection.... Then there were the many miracles carried on through the apostles, throughout the ages, and to this day. Most of us ourselves have witnessed and experienced miracles. All this is more than just supernatural phenomenon, but God Almighty Himself intervening on our behalf. Now not all supernatural phenomenon is directly from the Lord, but also from demonic activity which is meant to lure people away from Jesus Christ. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,they shall deceive the very elect." Matthew 24:24
There is a natural universe and a spiritual realm that runs parallel to it. "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." " For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 3:10, 6:12. The heavenly places referred to here are not Heaven where God dwells, nor the natural universe, but the spiritual realm, where angels and demons are active. Obviously according to these Scriptures and more, they also interact with humans and through humans, and is most demonstrated in the fruit of our behavior. This is possible because we are spiritual beings with a natural body.
OUR SPIRIT
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26
Our spirit is the most critical part of our being, if any is, when referring to our spirit, soul, and body. "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit, who can bear?" Proverbs 18:14
"To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." 1 Corinthian 5:5
THE NEW BIRTH TRANSFORMATION
By being born again in Christ Jesus, our relationship with the God our Heavenly Father is a spiritual one that impacts our entire being once we are joined together in our spirit with His Spirit. "But he that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit/spirit." 1 Corinthians 6:17, "That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:6. "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins..." Ephesians 2:1 So prior to faith in Christ our sins separate/cut us off from God our Creator and thus we are spiritually dead even though we live. Our spirit functions, keeping our body alive, but is separated from, or dead toward God. However, when we turn to God by faith in Jesus Christ, His blood washes away our sins - purifies us, and the Holy Spirit comes and dwells with our spirit. We are united with the Spirit of Christ and thus alive in God. In our spirit we are Born Again and we are therefore one with the Lord in our spirit. "Because your are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts (in this case thus making our heart synonymous with our spirit), the Spirit Who calls out, 'Abba, Father" Galatians 4:6
Obviously, this does not negate the influence of the flesh in our lives. Although God is in us by His Spirit (those of us who believe), He still leaves the decisions and thoughts of our heart and mind up to us. Indeed, it is a complete amazing mystery, "Christ in us, the hope of Glory." Colossians 1:27. It is a true testimony of the power of His atoning sacrifice on the cross for us and the mystery of His works in us. "For by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified." Hebrews 10:14 This is the fact even though we in ourselves see and know our many faults and weaknesses. This perfection the Scriptures is talking about refers to our standing before God IN CHRIST JESUS. Definitely not of us, but the result of the Blood of Christ which has washed away our sins.
OUR SPIRIT REACHING OUT TO GOD
With our spirit we: Seek the Lord Isaiah 26:9 "...with my spirit within me I will seek You early.'
Worship the Lord John 4:24 God is Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."
Serve the Lord Romans 1:9 "For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son..."
Perceive the Lord (Even if our mind may not be able to grasp a concept of God, our spirit can easily perceive Him)."And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40. It is not a physical seeing, but a perception of our spirit. That is the revelation that Peter had about Jesus. It was not something his mind manufactured, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but My Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 16:17 That is why it is so easy for children to believe in God, because the confusing information of our mind and physical senses have not yet hindered their spiritual perception.
[Please don't get me wrong, as a human being, our spirit, soul, and body makes up a single unified unit. So pretty well most everything we do, or whatever touches us, requires or affects our entire being. Remember, He calls us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength Mark 12:30.]
One reason why people struggle with atheism is because of the lack of spiritual awareness or the recognition thereof. Their perception of life and the world is completely natural and physical. Therefore everything is either explained away with natural sequences, or the spiritual is considered a fairy tail. Albert Einstein once said, “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” He also said, "I want to know GOD's thoughts. Everything else is just detain."
WHAT IS OUR SPIRIT?
According to the Scriptures, the spirit or our spirit is IMMORTAL (does not die). It is like a breath, a pure life form. But be assured, our spirit is us and not a nebulous life, but is us with heart, thought, and will. It has no physical form and is only bound to the natural through our bodies. Our spirit, or actually all spirits, comes from God (as created and not one with His Spirit) and is our inner self and our very life's force: "Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see I have." Luke 24:39, "For what man knows the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? 1 Corinthians 2:11, "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead" James 2:26 Our spirit, like God, has deep emotions, thoughts, and in fact that is where our creativity comes from "There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives him understanding." Job 32:8 Our spirits rejoice: "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in Spirit..." Luke 10:21, "And Mary said, 'My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.'" Luke 1:46-47
MANAGING OUR SPIRIT
"He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 25:28
So it is our spirit which is our true inner self, and our body is the vehicle (so to speak) through which we conduct ourselves in this natural world. The challenge is that all these activities must be carried out through the flesh. In our flesh we also have the ability to express these emotions along with its own natural drives and impulses, and if we allow it, the flesh can win the supremacy and then be the driving force of our behavior. That is how our sinful or iniquitous behavior gets its foothold. However, by faith in Jesus, we submit to the will of God in accordance to the Bible, and follow the guidance and strength of His Holy Spirit in the day to day particulars of life and thus by faith we put to death the deeds of the body. For if you live after the flesh, you will die; but if you through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, you shall live." Romans 8:13
HOW DO WE RULE OVER OUR SPIRIT?
"A wise man fears and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident. He that is soon angry deals foolishly...", "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he that his hasty of spirit exalts folly." Proverbs 14:16-17, 29
God has given us the tools and the Help we need to control our spirit. In the Old Testament, especially in Proverbs, He pleads with us again and again to get wisdom and understanding. More basic than that is the Fear of the Lord, "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28 Through the Scriptures we learn His will and ways, and unlike the children of Israel where He testifies against them, "...It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known My ways.'" Psalm 95:10, we are fully able to learn His laws and commands that we may understand and fear Him. In the New Testament we now also have the full revelation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the complete revelation of the Word of God to learn from and get guidance. We have also have the Fruit of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-23, and the grace of God in Christ Jesus, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 So now as the apostle Peter said, "According as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue." 2 Peter 1:3
In short, we rule our spirit by faith in Jesus, according to His Word and thus the knowledge of His will and ways, and by the power of His Holy Spirit.
OUR SPIRIT - GUARDING OUR SPIRIT
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it come the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
"Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9 "Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath, neither give place to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27
Now we know that the flesh must be able to express all that is in our spirit and soul for us to communicate in the natural world, Our spirit is our inner most being revealing who and what manner of person we are on the inside. "As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man." Proverbs 27:19 As with our flesh which we must constantly protect from outside harm, so it is with our spirit. The outside influences that are particularly harmful to our spirit are offenses, idolatry, witchcraft, and whatever makes a lie. The heart of Israel was unable to free itself from the sin of Idolatry, to which they easily succumbed when exposed. The Lord, especially in the Book of Ezekiel chapters 20 and 23, describes how Israel was exposed to the sin of idolatry (which is the spiritual expression of adultery) from its youth in Egypt. Notice how the Lord had to give His people a new spirit, because the unconverted spirit of man cannot embrace God and His ways, or remain faithful to Him, nor could it free itself from the defilement that entered it. "a new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and keep My judgments, ans do them." Ezekiel 36:26-27.
We must therefore diligently monitor what goes on in our heart and mind, and be careful what we expose ourselves to. We can enjoy the amazing liberties which we have in Christ, but be ever watchful knowing we have an adversary who relentless. Furthermore, our heart cannot be trusted "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 Please be vigilant in monitoring what things you are exposed to, and what captivates your interest.
THE OPEN AND CLOSED GATE - Another aspect that is so important about all this is what Proverbs 25:28 states, that if we do not control our own spirit we are vulnerable to invasion in our person, the same as a city without walls is. We must manage our behavior and guard ourselves from outside influences that are harmful to us. Anytime we lose control of our behavior we are leaving ourselves open to whatever force we are yielding to. Let's be more specific here. If we lose control of our appetites, including lusts and or passions, or if we cannot control of our temper, or constantly give into petty indulgences, we are opening the door not only to the unbridled impulses of our flesh, but our being becomes vulnerable to the evil spirits that may be behind it. That is one reason why drunkenness and using drugs is not only sinful, but is also so dangerous. Guess what, being possessed by evil spirits is just as real today as it was in Jesus day. Only today it is typically labeled as a psychological problem. Indeed it might be, but sometimes it is much deeper. Doctors may be attempting to psychoanalyze evil spirits, and the devils have a heyday. Now, no spirit can possess the spirit of a Christian who has the Spirit of Christ dwelling in their heart, but we can become oppressed through willful or careless disobedience. "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
God has not give us any excuses for being out of control. Temperance is one of the fruits of the Spirit.
OUR SPIRITS ARE VULNERABLE
From the Scriptures we can learn and confirm things we know regarding our spirits.
We can be proud in our spirit: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
We can be wounded in our spirit: "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?" Proverbs 18:14
We can be broken in spirit: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17
Our spirits can be defiled: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves form all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 7:1
Understand, though, that our spirit is not hurt by natural or physical contact as our bodies are, but the harm to our spirit comes from emotional and immoral impact. But be assured, trauma to our flesh will greatly impact our soul and spirit. They are all interconnected.
Although Christ is in us (who believe), what goes on in our lives and especially in our heart has huge impact on our spirit. Not only can our spirits be wounded and broken, but they can also be defiled. They are wounded through oppression, attacks on our character, failure, let downs, injustice, loss of or hurt by loved ones... They are defiled by things like; pride, bitterness, unforgiveness, hate, fears, and LUSTS/IDOLATRY.
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KEEPING OUR SPIRIT CLEAR
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves form all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 7:1
My mentoring pastor would tell me to make sure I prayed before ministering and flush my spirit of any contaminated attitudes lest while sharing the Word of God a corrupt attitude comes out with it and defiles the delivery.
Keeping our spirits clean and healthy requires the daily exercise of faith and repentance before our God and Heavenly Father, where we do not allow certain things to reside in our heart and mind; like pride, covetousness/idols, bitterness, resentments, unforgiveness, jealously, anger, suspicions, fears... These can sink deep into our innermost being, and will not only defile us, but will come out somewhere, somehow, and no matter how hard we attempt to conceal them. They will taint our faith, harm our walk with God, our relations with others, and much if not all of our good intentions.
NEGATIVE OR SINFUL ATTITUDES AND VALUES
We may typically feel justified in some of our thinking and attitudes; however, they eventually become behaviors. They grow in our heart and mind by agreement and embracing the thought, offense, desire. They then proceed to sink into the very core or our being to where it becomes a driving force within us. If the Scriptures openly condemns them, regardless of all your reasoning and excuses, they will corrupt you and can destroy you and others. We must flee from them - THEY WILL EXPRESS THEMSELVES. "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." Hebrews 12:15 PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND FEAR GOD!
WOUNDS THAT NEED HEALING
Wounds in our spirit and soul are most serious. If not dealt with and healed they can cripple us in our walk of life. We have all heard of the dangers of wounding the spirit of a child. This is so serious. Most physical wounds can be healed, yet a wounded spirit is much more out of reach of human ability, but by the grace of God, not impossible. A wounded spirit comes about especially when the recipient of an action is defenseless, either by oppression, taking advantage of, or deceiving someone who has opened their heart to them. Obviously that is most notable in children who are vulnerable and subject to the power and influence of adults. Harsh treatment, false accusations, and other forms of abuse can and will harm the whole being. Rejection is also another venue where a person can get wounded in their spirit. Cruel can be the outcome. A person with a wounded spirit is crippled in the progressive development of life. He/she needs healing. Therefore, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23. Be ever so careful who and what you allow in your life. Let the Lord be our Everything. "GOD IS our REFUGE and STRENGTH, a very PRESENT HELP in trouble." Psalm 46:1 If we run to Him with our hurts and pain, He can lovingly and graciously bring the help and healing we need, and there is none better. Forgiving the other from our heart is a non-negotiable prerequisite. "He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wound." Psalm 147:3
WOUNDS -Another important aspect about wounds is that they can transcend our entire being, which is one reason why they do not go away even if repented of or forgiveness is dispensed. A wound, as already stated, can cross our entire being, spirit, soul, mind, and body. So if we forgive but the pain is still there, our hurt needs to be addressed in our mind/soul, as well as in our spirit. For instance, if we forgive but resentment and bitter thoughts are still haunting us, we may be persuaded in our mind about cancelling the injustice, but We still may be hurting in another part of our being. Or we may need the Lord to heal our wound because it was too painful for us to rationally wish it away. I learned something about our complex being when my father died. I recall the day I was informed. He lived across the country and there was nothing I could do, so I decided to go to work that day anyways and just forget about it. Well, like that worked. What I discovered was that the pain in my heart and soul could not be wished away with my mind and distractions. In this case, time was needed for a healing.
PROPER DIAGNOSING - Attempting to heal wounds without determining the actual source of the problem and the proper solution can be like using presumptuous or inappropriate medicines. They can be more harmful than good. "Oh just pray, and it will go away." "Rebuke the devil, that will be sufficient." "Forgive and forget." Believe it or not, these can actually work in the appropriate situation, but in the wrong situation they can dishearten, cause confusion, doubts, deepened bitterness... and so on. Maybe a confrontation needs to happen. Perhaps an agreement with something ungodly needs to be repented of and broken. Dear friends, like physical wounds and hurts that need proper attention and diagnosis, so it is with our inner hurts and wounds. Take them to Jesus, and perhaps to some reliable godly human counsel too. He loves you so much, and He has an answer for your need. Remember, you may not like the solution given, but like an unpleasant medicine or critical operation, if you want a healing, you may not have another choice.
BEWARE OF SAYING "NO" TO OR BEFORE GOD!
Remember that it is through our spirit that we commune with God our Heavenly Father. Flowing out of this relationship from our innermost being our entire personality interacts with the world around us "He that believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of Living Water. (But this He spoke of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive...) John 7:38-39. This should be a powerful testimony of Him working in our life. However, if at certain point God is prodding or asking us to step out in faith in some area as an act of obedience and we refuse to co-operate (for whatever reason), a gateway to life in this related area will also most likely be shut or remain useless or impotent. Whatever He asks of us is for our personal growth, development, and will benefit others, no matter what it looks like in our mind's eye. We may need to have a fear or doubt broken, or perhaps a behavior pattern changed, or established. Whatever it is, the obedience of faith will enable you to function more perfectly in the world you live in. Disobedience may show in a lack of character growth, an inability to be open to others, or an inability to be successful in certain life's interactions, even at work. It all depends. Whenever God our Loving Father asks something of us, it is for our ultimate good and success. So if we say "NO" to Him, it is surely ourselves we are hurting, and others. He loves us so much. Trust Him and obey Him. Do not shut off the fountain of life within you.
THE PRICELESS VALUE OF HUMILITY -This deals with the very core of our hear/spirit.
"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: is is not in man that walks to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (arrogant) spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
Life, as we all know both as Christians and non Christians, is challenging and difficult. There are so many obstacles and pressures that it can be extremely confusing. Being humble enough to receive not only instruction, BUT CORRECTION AND REBUKE can be a life and soul saver. A great way to make ourselves a target for disaster is by being proud, unteachable and not correctable. As with any sin, there is no guaranteed defense for us if we give into these.
"He is on the way of life that keeps instruction: bu he that refuses reproof errs...He that refuses instruction despised his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding." Proverbs 10:17, 15:32
As Christians we have the Bible to guide us, and the Holy Spirit, Still we must also rely on other brothers and sisters in Christ to be able to speak into our life and challenge our thinking and ways. We also have many godly examples, but especially our LORD JESUS CHRIST. And believe it or not, we also have authorities whom God has placed in our lives, both natural and spiritual authorities, to help keep us in check. For instance, how many a young person ignored the advise and warning of his or her parents, who may not even be Christians, and entered into a miserable marriage which he or she thought was a relationship from God. A proud person who will not receive instruction or receive correction is heading for DISASTER and unsafe as a companion, guide, or leader. "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17
FEEDING AND STRENGTHENING OUR SPIRIT
The basic help for strengthening our spirit is godly living. This is living a life of prayer, Bible reading and study, worship, godly fellowship, following godly teaching, and of course, living a life of humility, faith, hope, and love "And now these three abide, faith, hope, and love, these three. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
CONCLUSION - Our spirit is a most amazing part or our makeup, and being spiritual beings we nee to feed and care for it as we need to do so with our bodies. Be diligent and open wide your heart and faith to God.
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