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 6 of 15

THE VERSATILITY OF THE SOUL

Our souls are capable of both good and evil. They can gravitate to earth or be wafted into the heavenlies. Our thoughts can be "evil continually" (Gen 6:5). They can also be "right" (Prov 12:5). Our dreams can involve gross wickedness, or contemplation the world to come. The versatility of the soul is its weakness. It is under the control of our spirit. The soul itself has not been renewed, or regenerated. However, the "engrafted Word" is "able" to save our "souls" (James 1:21).

Care must be taken not to read this distinction into every passage of Scripture. Our souls are a unique stewardship. They are to be maintained and directed in the energy of the regenerated life. This is the meaning of Jesus' words, "In your patience possess ye your souls" (Luke 21:19).

Temptation is leveled at our souls. There is where lust is resident--the basis of all temptation. Thus James writes, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" (James 1:14). Those who choose to live "in the flesh," or under the domination of their lower and sinful nature, do not realize the extent of their liability.

The Psalmist provides us an excellent example of the effects of temptation. In this particular expression, despair is the result of the enemy's encroachment. "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember Thee from the land of the Jordan, And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar" (Psa 42:5-6, 11; 43:5, NASB).

This was David's spirit speaking to his soul -- the higher part speaking to the lower part. In his spirit he knew all would be well. He would place his hope in the Living God. He knew the day of rejoicing would come. Yet, in his soul, or lower nature, he was distressed and troubled. It is remarkable that a person in such spiritually primitive times was so attune to the nature of the good fight of faith! Surely, he was a man ahead of his time.

PRAYER POINT: Father, grant me grace through Jesus Christ to possess my own soul, bringing it into subordination to Your good pleasure.

-- TOMORROW: ADAM AND JESUS --