Examine Your Soul

EXAMINE YOUR SOUL

"Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord."
(Lamentations 3:40)

We're talking about taking care of our souls for God's glory and our good. Jesus reminded us last week that all the things we can gain in the temporal world aren't worth the value of our souls. Lost souls and damaged souls grieve the heart of God. His plan for us is simple. We find our souls in coming to Christ. The damages and hurts our souls endure find repair and healing in our journey with Christ to wholeness.

In all of that, however, we have responsibility. With the aid of God's Word and His Spirit, we're accountable for regular inspection of our souls. We have responsibility for the care of our souls. Jeremiah tells us to "search out and examine our ways." The psalmist said to God, "Search me, O God, and know my heart . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me . . .." (Psalm 139:23&24)

What does all of this imply for us today. I think we can make several observations as we begin to give attention to our souls. First, we discover that our souls don't naturally stay well. Our souls can get unhealthy, polluted and dirty. They need care. We also discover that we have help available to us. God, who created us and made us living, eternal souls, stands at the ready. He'll always help us see the care we need to give our souls. Further, He'll provide the resources needed to provide the care. There is a third observation that we can't overlook.

We're not always smart enough to know our souls need care! I think that's why the psalmist asked God to search his heart. God will see things we can't see. We fool ourselves with foolish independence when we think we have all the answers. Don't be fooled! If you are alive and reading this Freedom Fighter, you need soul care!

Let the examination of our souls begin! - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and is our weekend Freedom Fighter Contributor

Great Quote: Will is the whole man active. I cannot give up my will; I must exercise it. I must will to obey. When God gives a command or a vision of truth, it is never a question of what He will do, but what we will do. To be successful in God's work is to fall in line with His will and to do it His way. All that is pleasing to Him is a success.
Henrietta C Mears