The soul is the one thing that God created within each one of us that God felt was worthy of redemption. It is that which glimmers in the eyes of God. It bears the image of the Creator in a holy way, unlike any other part of all creation. The soul is holy, sacred, and treasured by God. And each of us has it within us.
Unfortunately our world does not always value what God does. The world has a wonderful way of valuing the wrong thing. We look at the outward appearance – the shape of our bodies, the clothes we wear, the abilities we see and criticize so freely - and Jesus taught that it was what was from the heart that was most important. The world does not reserve as holy what God sees as sacred. But God took time out to reexamine the human condition, and saw the sorry state that we have allowed ours and others’ souls to fall into. And that was why God felt it necessary to share his only Son with us in order that we might understand the tremendous value of this soul within us.
This truth became painfully clear for me this past week as I began to reflect on my own behavior toward some folks who are absolutely the closest to my heart. The callous words I chose out of my own exhaustion or distraction left indelible bruises on the souls of those around me. It wasn’t until I saw how much damage had been done that I realized the seriousness of my own sin, and how badly I had been mistreating my own soul. How I treat others is oftentimes a reflection of how we treat our own souls. If we are not valuing that which God values, loving what God loves, treating as sacred that which God holds as most holy WITHIN OURSELVES, then how can we possibly do this for others?
Out in the world today (this week? from now on?) I pray that you will begin to see each other as the Treasures in Clay Jars that Paul wrote about in II Corinthians 4 – sacred possessions of God placed within each of us. Fragile, easily bruised, damaged, and tender. And perhaps we might become more attentive to those around us – and try to work toward the healing of the other’s soul. This is God’s intention. This is Christ’s command. This is the work of the Christian. This is the task of the Church.
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
