MORE THAN A MERE BODY
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 (NLT)
When I was 15, my grandmother came to live with us. She had dementia, and over time, it progressed to Alzheimer's. The hardest parts weren't when she started forgetting people around her, but rather those fleeting moments of clarity when she sensed something was wrong with her mind. Those times were filled with tears, as she would say, Something's not right in my mind. It was a painful reality, as she seemed to recognize her decline even though she couldn't grasp it fully.
Aging can make us feel like we're losing control over our bodies, leading to a loss of independence we've known our whole lives. We can try our best to fight against the inevitable decline of aging, yet the struggles of this world seem to work against God's creation. That's why it's important to remember that we're more than just our bodies.
In Genesis 2:7, God creates the very first human from the dust of the ground and breathes the breath of life into his nostrils. The Hebrew word neshama (pronounced neh-shah-MAH) means soul or spirit, and shares a root with neshima, meaning breath. This connection elevates humans beyond just physical beings. God wove within us a soul that belonged to Him long before we entered our mothers' wombs—a soul destined for eternal life, either in the glory of the Lord or in the anguish of separation from Him.
Choosing to follow Jesus restores our souls, renewing them as we let go of pride and embrace God's Word. Just as we exercise and eat well to care for our bodies, we should also be preparing our souls for eternity. We must move beyond the notion that we're merely bodies with souls. In truth, we're souls living in bodies. While our earthly forms may wear out over time, our souls will endure forever. In Christ, God's love radiates through us, assuring us that regardless of what happens to our physical bodies, our souls will ultimately find peace in His glory.
APPLICATION: In moments of uncertainty and physical struggles, remember that your true soul lies beyond your earthly body. Trust in God's everlasting love, knowing that your spirit, when entrusted to Jesus Christ, will always find rest in His glory, no matter what challenges arise.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for creating within us a soul that was ultimately made for You. Remind me today that my soul comes alive in your name, Jesus. I love You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?