THE SPIRIT AND THE SOUL

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb 4:12).

Devotion 2 of 15

MAN HAS AN UNSEEN PART

Suffice it to say, there is an unseen part of man, not exposed to the scrutiny of humanity. That unseen portion is the focus of this study. As we might suspect, this is the part of us that is more precisely related to the living God. It also should not surprise us to find that it is the most complex part of our being.

The body is remarkably intricate, engaging the minds of the most prodigious thinkers and analysts in the world. Yet, its complexity does not approximate that of the unseen part of man. The grace of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, will be required to understand and manage this intriguing part of our being.

Referring to this part of man, Jesus said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt 10:38). It is obvious, a greater emphasis is placed on the unseen part of man. That is the focus of God's attention, even though He is mindful of our "frame" (Psa 103:14).

In another place, our Savior said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36). The clear implication is that your soul is a stewardship given to you. You are to take care you do not lose it. Jesus gave a parable that told of a man losing his soul. The man had placed the accent of life on outward things. He devoted himself to store up goods for man years, enjoying life and taking his ease. However, that very night the Lord interrupted his well-laid plans. "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:18-20).

Some have chosen to haggle about the soul instead of providing for it. Others simply neglect it, giving all of their attention to their body. These devotions will focus on the unseen part of man--the place that is the object of Divine scrutiny. My intention is to encourage you to be a good steward of your soul. As our blessed Lord said, "In your patience possess ye your souls" (Lk 21:19). If, in the end, you have chosen to neglect this part of your being, your entire life will have been lived in vain. However, this does not need to be the case. The Scriptures affirm the "engrafted Word" is "able to save your souls" (James 1:21). They also speak of "receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls" (1 Pet 1:9).

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for telling us where to place our emphasis.

-- TOMORROW: DEFINING THE TERMS --