Soul Growth - Moises Palacios

1) How is the “soul” defined?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the soul is the spiritual principle embodied in human beings, all rational and spiritual beings, or the universe. It is also defined as the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life. Both definitions defined the soul as a component that resides in human beings.

However, from a Christian’s point of view, people do not have a soul. People are a soul, a living, breathing physical being.

In Psalm 103:1 “Bless the LORD, o my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” David is stating that his soul is equal with his inner self: “All that is within me”. Our soul is “all that is within” us. Our soul is not any of our physical characteristics nor is it any of our accomplishments. Our soul is the invisible part of ourselves that thinks, feels, and decides. Souls were given by God in the garden of Eden.

Initially when God created Adam, he was just a body. It was not until God breathed his own life into him that he became a living soul, a living being.

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

As we can see from this verse, our outside form isn’t what makes us alive—our soul is what makes us alive. Our souls come from the breath of God. God’s breath is the origin of our souls. Before this, Adam was merely a body with no soul. Therefore, we are living on the borrowed breath of God.

2) Do I have a “growing soul”?

Parents have different expectations for their children as they grow up.

At age 7, kids are expected to ride a bike. By age 13, children can be in the house by themselves, etc. There are many expectations on children as they grow up. As a society, we have agreed on these expectations because they are a good indicator that children are growing.

These expectations continue as you get older. Children are expected to move out of the home, go to college, get a job, get married at certain ages, and society uses those milestones to determine if a person is moving from childhood into adulthood. We have these expectations that show us growth for our lives. However, the growth of our souls is often forgotten.

The apostle John wrote “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” (3 John 1:2) The apostle prays that he is healthy and whole as much on the outside as on the inside, the soul.

3) How to cultivate my soul?

In order to have a successful vegetable garden, there are a few elements needed: soil, sunlight, plant types and maintenance. In a similar way there a few elements needed the growth of our souls.

In order to cultivate and keep our souls healthy, there a few elements needed for our souls to thrive:

Rest

The book of Psalms says this: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:2)

Sometimes we don’t rest well because we are worried about our daily responsibilities. We think that if we stay awake a bit longer—if we set the alarm a little earlier—we’ll be able to solve all of tomorrow’s troubles. Often, we end up stealing rest not just from our bodies but also from our souls. And in the long run, that is the most counterproductive thing we can do.

There are seasons and moments when we will put in long, hard hours, and our sleep may suffer. But that can’t be our lifestyle 24–7, week after week. We need a habit of rest. We need a philosophy and an outlook on life that says, “even though I don’t have all the answers I trust that God does”.

Ultimately God wants us to have rest in our souls, not just our bodies. It’s harder to be at rest on the inside when you are not resting well on the outside.

The true source of rest is Jesus.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

Restrictions

The first two chapters of the Bible describe a gorgeous, perfect, and sin-free environment. This was the original home for the soul. These were the surroundings God created for the soul to thrive.

However, right in the middle of the Garden of Eden, God mentions a restriction. “You can eat from every tree you see . . . except one. Just one. If you eat that fruit, you’ll die. So go enjoy the rest, but don’t eat from this tree.” Why would God create something and then tell Adam and Eve they couldn’t have it? The reason is that God was allowing them to choose to love him freely. That is the main premise of love; it needs to be a choice in order for it to be real love.

The fact that certain things are off limits is actually a necessary requirement for a strong, sane soul. God knew it was good for Adam and Eve to tell themselves no from time to time. He is not a restrictive God. He is an intentional and liberating God. He had a plan from the start and he was very intentional on the restrictions in the garden of Eden because those restrictions were good for our souls.

Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it. Our freedom in Jesus is not just to say yes; it’s also to say no. In Jesus, we are free to say no to harmful, hurtful, destructive things. We are no longer slaves to our desires or addictions.

“I [Paul] have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Responsibilities

Often we might think that work or school are about what we have to do, and evenings and weekends are about what we want to do. Our culture tends to view retirement in a very similar way. We want to work hard for forty-plus years so we can relax and take it easy for the rest of our lives. This is so because of our perspective of work as a form of punishment.

The Bible is used to back up this belief: God told Adam after he sinned, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread” (Genesis 3:19). However, responsibility comes before sin.

In Genesis 2:15, it says “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Work is not the result of the fall. God himself worked, and he worked very hard. During the creation, he worked for six days before he took a break. He worked when it was time to work, and on the seventh day he enjoyed the results of his work.

Our souls need responsibilities too. We need to work and keep challenging ourselves in order to have a healthy soul. This does not mean become workaholics or allow work to define our identities, but our souls will feel better and healthier when they are fulfilling their God-given capacity to work.

Rest is a fundamental part for the health of our souls but also is responsibility. They both work together. We need to ask God to grant us direction and grace to follow him and do his work, and as we do, it will be helpful for our souls.

Relationships

In the creation story, after God finished creating he said, “It is good.” There is only one recorded instance where he said something was “not good,” and it’s found in Genesis 2:18: “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’ ”

God created our souls with a built-in need for relationship. We were not designed to be alone. No matter how strong, independent, or self-reliant we are, we need other people.

I believe this story shows the value God places on community (family, friendship, and companionship). Relationships are a genuine goal and value for God, and he cares about our friendships because they are good for our souls. Friendships enrich our lives greatly. Relationships are the only thing worth holding on to. All the “stuff” in the world (fame, money, possessions, appearances), they will come and go in this life. However, the relationships that we form with loved ones will sustain us and surround us throughout our lives. Relationships are essential for healthy souls.

4) What hinders my “soul growth”?

Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by pain and fear? These two elements are the most notorious agents that limit soul growth.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5–6; see also 42:11; 43:5)

The songwriter of Psalms 42 and 43 also dealt with fear. As you read through these two psalms, you can see the writer wrestles with his feelings. The pain and fear in his life might be a constant reality and are causing his emotions to be all over the place, yet he declares to his own soul and anyone else who is listening that his hope is in God.

His soul might be overwhelmed; he might not be able to wrap his mind around what he’s going through. But deep inside, he knows his soul can hope in God.

Our souls do not have to give in to the fear that seeks to paralyze us, because God is a sure and secure source of confidence. The next time your soul is cast down and fear causes your heart to be in turmoil, turn to God.

God has helped you before, and he will help you again. He is the hope of your soul.

5) A steady growth

Despite the many resources on how to promote soul growth, the main element is to have a life of prayer. Here are a few suggestions about some aspects that you can pray for that will benefit your soul:

Pray that God would help you surrender your life and trust him completely, especially in areas that are more difficult for you to yield control.
Pray for healthy friendships and relationships that restore and protect your soul.
Pray that even when relationships are difficult or you find yourself hurt, you would not isolate yourself.
Pray that you would also help others by being the friend their souls need.
Pray that God would help you forgive people who have hurt you.
Pray that your soul would get bigger and bigger, and that you would be the generous, loving person God created you to be.
Pray that you would find the rest and acceptance Jesus offers, and that you would be able to adopt the same attitude he has in your relationships with others.
Pray that at the end of your life, you will live, love, and look like Jesus.

Conclusion

As you learn to lean continually on Jesus, your soul will find greater health and deeper fulfillment than ever before. This will inevitably promote the growth of a healthy soul because my soul is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ

What is one thing that you could implement this week to help you truly rest?

What is one thing you could decide to say no to this week that isn’t necessarily wrong or bad but is not healthy for your soul?

Do you see your responsibilities at home/community as God-given? Do you find peace in doing them?

Who are the people that influence you the most? Is there anyone who should be added to your group of close friends. Is there anyone that you should stop hanging out with?

Sources

Soul Care, Dr. Rob Reimer

Spiritual Resilience, Quick Series Publ+ishing Inc.

How is your soul? - Video Bible Studies (youtube)

“How’s your soul?” By Judah Smith

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul

Parent’s expectations

https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/4307686/everything-child-doing-each-age/

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

https://billygraham.org/story/9-ways-to-grow-in-your-faith/

All about God