Author: Ron Zachariasen
The question, “Who are you?” has been the subject of endless philosophical, psychological and spiritual papers and discussions. The most significant answers to this question are found in the Bible, which state that because you have been created in God’s image, (Gen 1:26) you have high value and dignity.
Value and dignity are good starting points for who you are, but these apply universally to all humans. What are the specific components that comprise your soul who has surrendered to Christ? What is the complete and diverse inventory of your soul who will see Jesus face to face (1Co 13:12) when you see him as he is in Heaven (1 Jo 3:2)?
At some time your body will die, decay and be transformed at the resurrection (Phi 3:20-21). Your soul will then inhabit your resurrection body similarly to how you inhabit the earthly vessel you have now. Your eternal body will not suffer death, pain or tears and will be able to survive in the presence of Almighty God forever. Your soul, however, that will be in that body will be the, you, that you are now.
There are two broad groups of components that make up your soul:
- The things you’ve been given: where and when you live (Acts 17:26), family status, upbringing, your physical DNA (Jo 1:3, Ps 139:13) and the unique spiritual building blocks God has designed in you (Jn 1:12-13, Col 2:19) among many other components.
- The things you develop in life: knowledge, wisdom, talents, skills, character, personality, spiritual fruit (Ga 5:22-23) and the most significant … conformity to the image of Jesus (Ro 8:29).
These two groups leap right off the pages of Jesus’ parable of the talents. In that parable, each person was given an amount of money, but it was what that person did with that money that was significant. The master honored each person who enlarged the portion given to him. This is a crucial point for Jesus’ followers. What God has given to you, (group 1) you are directed to develop (group 2).
So, at the end of your life, the you that will reside in Heaven will be an amalgam of groups one and two. Every single thing that you are given is developed by you in partnership with the Holy Spirit and in association with every influence in your life. Every single thing is what the “all” refers to in Romans 8:28, all things work together for good, so that you can … be conformed to the image of his Son (v.29). Since the Spirit grows spiritual fruit in you, are you a bystander? Not at all! You are partners. You take an active role in purifying yourself (2 Tim 2:21) and developing your soul. Jesus commands this (Matt 5:48 & 2 Pet 1:3-8).
Pleasures, comforts and the joys of ministry certainly grow your soul. God created the security of church, the family unit and government to make these things possible. The loving kindness that is a part of church and family experience along with encouragement, teaching, fun times and worship all tremendously develop your soul as well. On top of all this, experiencing God’s startlingly beautiful creation in all its magnificence and diversity gives everyone pleasures and insights into His awesome nature and goodness that is, at times, breathtaking.
Thank you, LORD, for giving us appreciation for your beauty and majesty.
Our souls are so satisfied in You. Amen
The Bible, however, also teaches that you grow significantly during times of trials and suffering (Rom 5:3-5, Jam 1:2-4). They produce in you endurance, character, hope, steadfastness and completeness. During hard times you gain a tremendous power in overcoming your sinful nature when seeking God’s will in everything (1 Pet 4:1-2). Even Jesus learned obedience during suffering (Heb 5:8) and is your perfect model. His Holy Spirit accomplishes for your soul profound growth and perseverance.
Suffering is never pleasant. You want pleasantness and comfort, but during suffering, you should want more. You should want the power of God’s Holy Spirit growing in you something that cannot be achieved in any other way. James writes that the processes at work in trials will cause you to lack nothing (Jam 1:4)! It is certainly not a sin to ask God to take something unpleasant away or to grieve and lament agony and loss. Both are healthy ways the Lord has provided for you in a sinful world. There is, however, a sense of stewardship that must be contemplated during suffering. Asking the question, “Am I suffering well?” is called for. Or how about, “Am I putting my hope and faith in Christ who has prepared for me things to do before the beginning of the world (Eph 2:10)?”
The very best thing you can do when you find yourself suffering is to strain forward and press on (Phi 3:1-16) abiding in Christ (Jn 15:4-11) knowing that God is at work and completing in your soul what He started (Phi 1:6). Jesus entirely knows what you are dealing with and is interceding for you (Rom 8:34). Where can you find more comfort and encouragement than in Jesus’ words: I am with you always, to the end of the age (Mat 28:20)? This gives you both hope and courage. Your soul needs this! The Church and the world needs you to develop your soul to be a light for Christ (Mat 5:16, Acts 13:45).
Whether experiencing joys or trials, connecting to God in prayer is essential (1 Th 5:17). Choose to ask Him for things you know He wants you to have, things like: faith, courage, perseverance, wisdom, hope, humility, the spiritual fruits, conformity to Jesus and so much more. You know He will provide these things in developing your soul and the church. Leave it up to Him, your loving Savior through whom all things are possible as to when, how, how much and what kind of blessings He will choose to give you. God will expertly provide for your soul development to your last heartbeat on earth. It is interesting to note that your developed soul will not just please God in this brief time on earth … but for eternity!
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
Paul is not referring to being at home or on the mission field. In writing, at home or away (2 Cor 5:9), the context is clear. Paul is referring to being here on earth or with Jesus in Heaven. Let us partner with God’s Holy Spirit and develop our souls well. Let us please Him well on earth so we will be prepared to please Him well in Heaven! Is faith important in soul development? Yes! It is absolutely vital.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Having faith is God’s will for us, so when we ask for faith He will, indeed, reward that request in His perfect way to enable us to please Him. Faith is a fertile place that will nurture development of our souls.
Is trusting God important to soul development? Again, yes! It is absolutely vital.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Ask and then trust Christ to answer your prayers for faith and everything else in His will so your developed soul can please God; a winning formula. Amen!
