* Divide and Decide

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12 NLT

In the Encarta English dictionary, there are 12 different definitions for soul. In Christianity, the soul is generally defined as the part of you which is your mind, your will and your emotions. You know - the parts that can get us in trouble.

We've talked about knowing the difference between fact and Truth. Our soul includes our feelings. Sometimes what we feel is not the Truth. So, are feelings bad? No. God gave those to us as gifts. There's lots of life that would be absolutely worthless and no fun at all without feelings or emotions. Should feelings control our lives? Should we ascribe to the world's philosophy of If it feels good, do it? Not according to the Word of God...and only YOU can determine if God's Word is YOUR standard.

Our soulish part always makes excuses for us. It's easy to be carnal - thinking only of our feelings and our bodies. So often we hear people make the excuse for their actions, Well, that's just how I am. God understands... Or how about this one? That's just the way God made me... Oh, puh-leeeezzzzz...

God sent His Son to die on a cross for all that - for our sins. He created the plan of salvation. He provided every aspect to ensure victory. It's not His will that anyone should die without Him...but it IS our choice. He came to save our souls from destruction.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 107, Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. What part of us got redeemed? Only our Spirit? Only our body? Christ died to save us... We are spirit, soul and body. It was a package deal. Christ paid the FULL price for us. It wasn't a K-Mart blue light or Wal-Mart red light special - Salvation has never been offered at a reduced rate because Jesus didn't skimp on anything. He gave His ALL. What will YOU give for it?

It's like learning the difference between want and need. We need to recognize and discern what is the driving force behind our desires - soul or Spirit. We want a lot of things, but what do we need? Air, water, food, shelter. Isn't it interesting that God describes Himself as all those things? It's in the Word - let it divide and decide your actions.

Prayer:

Father
           According to Your Word in verse 13 of today's text, nothing in all creation is hidden from You. Everything is naked and exposed before Your eyes, and You are the One to whom we are accountable. Shine Your light of Truth on our lives so we may rightly divide soul from Spirit. Let all we think and our subsequent actions be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen