THE CARE AND FEEDING OF THE SOUL (3 OF 7)
by Roger Thomas
Scripture: JOHN 15, III JOHN 2
This content is part of a series.
The Care and Feeding of the Soul (3 of 7)
Series: Strengthening Your Grip
Roger Thomas
John 15:1-17; 3 John 2
Introduction: A man goes to consult a specialist about his medical problem. After the visit the man asks, "How much do I owe you?" "My fee is $500," replies the physician. "$500? That's impossible. No one charges that much!"
"In your case," the doctor replies, "I suppose I could adjust my fee to $300." "$300? For one visit? Ridiculous." "Well, then, could you afford $200?" "Who has that kind of money?" "Look, replies the doctor," growing irritated, "Just give me $50 and get out." "I can give you $20," says the man. "Take it or leave it."
"I don't understand you," says the doctor. "Why did you come to the most expensive doctor in St. Louis if you have no money?" "Listen, Doctor", says the patient, "When it comes to my health, nothing is too expensive."
A lot of us can be about that silly. But there's something sillier. Even as inconsistent as we are, most of us would pay any price or travel any distance for the sake of our health. We would do that for a physical body that will wear out and deteriorate eventually regardless of what we do. But on the other hand, we too often act and live as if our souls, our spiritual lives, can take care of themselves. Don't misunderstand. I am not advocating neglecting our physical health. That's part of our stewardship of God's gifts to us. But what sense does it make to fret and sweat over the physical and forget the spiritual?
Jesus put it bluntly when he said, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul" (Mk 8:36-37). The Bible comes to the logical conclusion. "Train yourself to be godly. 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 4:7-8).
A little prayer tucked away in the tiny book of 3 John to ...
Series: Strengthening Your Grip
Roger Thomas
John 15:1-17; 3 John 2
Introduction: A man goes to consult a specialist about his medical problem. After the visit the man asks, "How much do I owe you?" "My fee is $500," replies the physician. "$500? That's impossible. No one charges that much!"
"In your case," the doctor replies, "I suppose I could adjust my fee to $300." "$300? For one visit? Ridiculous." "Well, then, could you afford $200?" "Who has that kind of money?" "Look, replies the doctor," growing irritated, "Just give me $50 and get out." "I can give you $20," says the man. "Take it or leave it."
"I don't understand you," says the doctor. "Why did you come to the most expensive doctor in St. Louis if you have no money?" "Listen, Doctor", says the patient, "When it comes to my health, nothing is too expensive."
A lot of us can be about that silly. But there's something sillier. Even as inconsistent as we are, most of us would pay any price or travel any distance for the sake of our health. We would do that for a physical body that will wear out and deteriorate eventually regardless of what we do. But on the other hand, we too often act and live as if our souls, our spiritual lives, can take care of themselves. Don't misunderstand. I am not advocating neglecting our physical health. That's part of our stewardship of God's gifts to us. But what sense does it make to fret and sweat over the physical and forget the spiritual?
Jesus put it bluntly when he said, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul" (Mk 8:36-37). The Bible comes to the logical conclusion. "Train yourself to be godly. 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 4:7-8).
A little prayer tucked away in the tiny book of 3 John to ...
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