Friday Faith Check-up: Renewal of The Soul Requires Maintenance

"As well might a gnat seek to drink in the ocean, as a finite creature to comprehend the Eternal God. A God whom we could understand would be no God. If we could grasp Him, He could not be infinite. If we could understand Him, He could not be divine."  - Charles Spurgeon

We know the importance of maintaining our health. Doctors and health experts constantly remind us of this. Whether we follow their instructions or not is another story. Still, if our health deteriorates, so does our quality of life. And with rising medical costs, health maintence is more important than ever.

My husband always knows when it's time to have our vehicles serviced. The rule of thumb for all things mechanical is: Maintain it, or you will soon have problems. Besides our physical health and mechanical objects there is another often overlooked part of our lives that requires maintenance, too.

I have run across many good, well-meaning and intelligent people who are under the assumption that once you become a Christian that's it. Like a tattoo, you don't have to do anything with it as far as maintenance goes. Once you get one, it's permanent and not really a concern. (For the record, I don't have any myself. I just thought I'd mention this!)

But seriously, there is some maintenance involved once you become a Christian and live the Christian life. I'd like to share some maintenance check-up points with you this week. We may compare these to the check-list a mechanic will perform on your vehicle when you take it in for service or repair. This check-list, however, applies to the maintenance of our souls.

Like a finely, tuned machine, we must keep our souls in good condition. So, what can we do to make sure everything is, and stays, in good working order in our Christian lives? Let's begin with the daily renewal of our inner man, or soul (2 Corinthians 4:16). The soul is the undecaying, or immortal part of you and I.

Renewal occurs in series of acts. For instance, our lives depend on daily renewal through food, air, exercise, etc. Thinkers must constantly study, meditate, read; otherwise old knowledge, to a large extent, dies out. Similarly, yesterday's religion fades away. Therefore, we must keep updating it; break fresh heavenly bread; have current interaction between our conscience and heart with God. Our renewal must be a daily one.

The daily reading of the Word is another point to address (Nehemiah 8:18). I cannot stress enough the importance of daily Bible reading and study. How can one expect to grow and mature in the Christian life without it? Once the habit of reading Scripture on a daily basis is acquired, renewal and revitalization becomes more attainable. The boost to your inner man is priceless!

Along with daily reading of the Word, daily prayer to the Lord is critical to the renewal of the soul (Psalm 76:3). This is something that we all should want to do daily. Daily prayer with God is daily fellowship with our heavenly Father. He desires to hear our supplications and praises alike. Prayer doesn't have any special requirements, nor does it need any equipment. Just your sincere desire to talk to God, and to listen to what He has to say to you.

Daily Praising of the Lord is the glorious recognition that He is the grand object of universal admiration and love (Psalm 72:15). There is no one greater. We owe our very existence to Him. He is the expression of all excellence (love, benevolence, truth, justice, authority). We are definitely His workmanship.

Yet another part of daily maintenance of our soul is the daily exhortation, or encouragement of each other (Hebrews 3:13). Think of this as being in a support group with fellow believers. Who among us hasn't felt a little beat up spiritually now and then? It's nice to have others who can relate to what you are going through. Being good listeners, shoulders to cry on, and cheerleaders for each other can and does make a difference. I can attest to this personally!

Finally, we as Christians all have a daily cross to bear (Luke 9:23). Honestly, if you became a Christian because you thought it would be a cake walk, then you are in for some disappointment. It will be anything but. Daily afflictions, trials, and persecutions are pretty much the norm every day for the people of God. But we are to continually submit to, and carry this weight with cheerfulness and love.

The points we touched on today are vital in keeping our inner man in top condition. The maintenance of our souls is not difficult if we put in the time and effort. You will find that with proper upkeep your Christian life should continue to strengthen and flourish for years to come!

Scripture: Psalm 51:10; Romans 12:2; Revelation 21:4; Ephesians 4:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1

Prayer: Dear Lord, hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Amen  - Psalms 51: 9-12

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye