Spirit


Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
2 Corinthians 4:16

I was amused to read a joke recently of a father and child walking along the beach when suddenly they came upon a dead seagull on the sand. “What happened to this bird?” the little boy asked. “He died and went to heaven,” said the father. “Then why did God throw him back?” asked the child.

In that little boy’s thinking the body was the bird – he didn’t get the idea of the spirit (if birds have one!), being separate from the body. Our body is just our ‘earth suit’ as one preacher puts it. It is the ‘house’ our spirit lives in for our time on this earth. The essence of my real self lives on forever, because I am a spirit created in the image of God, who is a spirit.

When our spirit becomes alive to God at salvation we begin what is intended to be a wonderful journey of growth, preparing us for eternal life with Him. We are in the process of being changed into the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

How do we do that? As we begin to spend time in prayer and reading the Bible we learn how to become His disciple. We have to make time to develop our spirit in the same way that we make time to care for our bodies. The care of our spirit is equally as important as the care of our body. It can be done in many ways. Taking time to be quiet and just to “be” is one way. Being in God’s presence and thinking of His love for us and His acceptance of us is very healing and refreshing. Reading and meditating on God’s word is vital food for our spirit man. Worshiping God with music also quietens and restores our spirit. Prayer, talking to God is also important. This is how we have a relationship with God, telling Him our hopes, dreams, desires, needs and seeking His wisdom on decisions. Our spirit needs food in the same way our body does. To grow and stay strong we need to feed on God’s word. Jesus said, “Man shall not live only by bread, but by every word that comes from God.” Luke 4:4.

You can nurture your spirit in an irregular, haphazard way, but it will be much more healthy and satisfying for you to do it daily. God is always ready to meet you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8. Don’t hesitate, just come to Him.

Prayer: Thank you, dear Father, that you are only a breath away. Help me to recognize my spirit’s hunger for Your presence and your word and to take time to refuel with you. Amen