Knowing the value of my soul - a step on the journey

NORSK

If my soul is worth more than the whole world, the same value must also apply to every individual soul. It means that the soul is irreplaceable, and Jesus put it all in perspective:

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?    

Matt 16:26

I do not know if the Norwegian artist Ole Paus was thinking about this verse when he several years ago said: ‘We have it all, but that's all we have’. Anyway it belongs in under the same label, and at least two prime-ministers have used the quote in their sermons to the nation. The theme is familiar and it appears frequently in old evangelical songs, like “I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I'd rather be His than have riches untold”

Jesus himself had to resist the temptation (1), and preserved his soul through worshiping and serving the Lord God. Materialism has a huge influence on us humans, and unfortunately a Christian confession does not always include the virtue of "godliness with contentment". When Paul wrote on this subject to Timothy, he warned even against those who 'believe godliness is a means of gain' (2).

With all my heart I want to quote:

'Manna' for today

 My soul is not for sale!

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(1) Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Matthew 4:8-9

(2) see the reflection: “…and along comes the money issue”

Face and heart

NORSK
The verse I focus on today is from the section on self-centeredness which Paul encouraged Timothy to be aware off, and he had more to say about people of the last days: They are

Having an appearance indeed of godliness, but denying the power thereof
2 Tim 3:5a  

When we watch the world today it is easy to think these words with political leaders who are trying to play their cards to please the largest religious groups in their countries. Yet it is important to bear in mind that it is God who is the judge of human hearts. My task is to pray for governments and leaders, even for those with whom I disagree. We have a God who is far greater than any power in this world, and I believe in his influence. 

However, I want to take this down to my level. I have an appearance that signals godliness both through wearing the uniform of the Salvation Army and e.g. on Facebook with my reflection on Christian living and godliness. With regard to my personal relationship with God, appearance counts for nothing if the power of godliness is not working in my heart. 

In his proverbs, Solomon (another mentor) told his son to keep the good words he had learned in his heart, and then he wrote:

Above everything else guard your heart,
because from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 

It is completely in line with the core in Paul’s mentoring of Timothy.

With regard to finding a cure for self-centredness, this is the right medication: It is more important to save heart than face.

‘Manna’ for today

Focus on the heart, because from it flows the springs of life

Train to be fit

NORSK
When Paul yesterday gave the challenge: “train yourself to be godly!”, I am convinced that he was thinking about what we can learn from physical exercises and training. On several occasions Paul used images and terminology from the sports-arena (1), and today he continues:

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Tim 4:8  

Although I have never been overly interested in sports or have been in the category of the “well-trained”, I have always tried to do some exercises for the benefit of my physical condition. It is certainly "of some value", not least because my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit (2), but also because the principles of good physical training programme are compatible with the principles for training in "godliness".

Here are some examples:

• The effect of a daily dose of training is greater than one single large dose per week.
• Training can be pleasurable, but it is important to exercise even when it does not feel like a pleasure
• Exercise requires more discipline in the beginning, but gets easier when it becomes a habit.
• Variation of training can improve the results.
• Regular training together with others enhances performance
• To keep a training log will support your progress.
• Many athletes benefit from having a personal trainer.

‘Manna’ for today:

Training in godliness “has value for all things”.

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(1) E.g. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24  -  NB More references will come later in this series

(2) 1 Cor 3:16-17

It is about a healthy godliness

NORSK I have met too many people who are struggling with an unhealthy fear of God. It is unhealthy because they fear God and his judgement even though they have had their sins forgiven and are new creatures in Christ. Some regard this fear as part of true godliness, which is an ingredient in Peter’s fruit-recipe:

“.. add to perseverance …godliness”
2 Pet 1:6

With regard to this ingredient, may be the image of the chain-reaction is more suitable. The healthy godliness is a result of a preceding process, which include the “insight” giving me assurance about the fact that I am a child of God. The question is then: Does a child fear a good and loving parent?

My immediate answer is “Yes”, but the fear is not related to the judgement or the punishment of disobedience, but to the desire to not cause disappointment. Godliness is about respect for him who loves me, and whom I want to love back with all of my heart. This is the theme of the reflection: Holiness is about respect.
 
‘Manna’ for today:

Healthy godliness is a result of a preceding process

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