What is Controlling Your Life?

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Today's Treasure: "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

(Amanda writes) While attaining the image and figure of the all-American woman, many of us go to great lengths disciplining our bodies to go with little or no food. This may give us a false sense of having our whole lives under control, but can you imagine that our souls and spirits would be in very good shape without physical nourishment? Putting one aspect of our lives in control often brings chaos in our daily routines and spiritual walks.

(Beth writes) Just for a moment, lets think of ourselves like triangles. Imagine each point of the triangle being labeled as body, soul or spirit. If the triangle is sitting on its base, only one point is "up." Imagine that point being the one in present control of us. For instance, when distinguished from the spirit as in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, the soul represents the seat of our emotions and our personality. If the "soul" is in the upward, authoritative position of our lives, then our feelings and our personality types rule us. All of us know what kind of trouble results from being under that kind of authority! Our feelings and personalities are given to us by God, but they are not meant to control us. Now picture that the "body" is in the upward position and momentarily ruling over our triangular selves. We don't have to be terribly bright to imagine what can happen because we've all experienced the upheaval firsthand: our fleshly appetites and physical drives and habits take over. Our "appetites" become our masters. Certainly, our physical bodies are gifts from God "fearfully and wonderfully made," but when they control us, the result is bondage. Also understand that one area exerts tremendous influence over the others. As you know, our feelings can drive our physical appetites just as our physical appetites can drive our feelings.

By this time, you've figured out the answer. The "point" we need in the upward position to live in victory is the Spirit. All of us were born with a "spirit." When distinguished from the soul, it represents the part of us created in the image of God to know Him and enjoy His fellowship. It is the primary component in us that sets us apart from all other creatures. Until we are redeemed and inhabited by Christ (Romans 8:9), our spirits are no better off than our souls and bodies. But, glory to God, when we receive Christ, His Spirit takes residency in ours!

First Corinthians 6:17 speaks of this supernatural consolidation: "he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit." The key to victory as we occupy this triangular temple is to bow daily, perhaps a half dozen times daily, to the control of the Holy Spirit over our lives. Our bodies and our feelings and personalities are wonderful components sanctified by God when the Spirit is in control. I am convinced that a huge part of wholeness in the life of a believer is when God has been allowed to sanctify (take over and set apart) our whole spirit, soul, and body.

Lord, You rule over all creation. Rule over my life today and cause my body and soul to bow to the Spirit's authority. Lord, help me where I am unbalanced and bring order when You are on the throne of my life. I love You and am so thankful for Your almighty strength. Amen.

Adapted from Praying God's Word, by Beth Moore, pages 149-150. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2000. Used by permission.