After College: Prioritizing…. Part 2

Image by MH Rhee from Pixabay

To conclude part one of this post I pointed out that my second priority is truly included in my first. However, I broke it down into physical and spiritual as sometimes physical rest and proper nutrition is required to set our body and mind straight.

Here’s an example: if my mood has become low it can be something as simple as dehydration. For others it might be low blood sugar. They need to eat something.

Being tired can also alter my mood. A nap can help.

The Body, Soul and Spirit

We have a physical body. This is easily described as our bones, skin, blood and anything that can be seen. Next, we have a soul and a spirit. These are our eternal qualities. The soul continues to exist long after our physical body no longer has life.

The distinction between Spirit and Soul is tricky and controversial. So I’ll keep the definitions short. But in short, our spirit determines the kind of person we are (gentle, haughty) and whether we will have communion with God, as it’s with our spirit that we deeply connect with God.

These parts of our being require distinctly different maintenance. It’s arguable which should be prioritized first, the body or the spirit, (Long term I would say it’s better to tend to the spirit as the spirit and soul are eternal.) so you may disagree with how I divided this up. However, God did instruct Elijah to eat and drink before he did anything else that day. I guess you could argue that Elijah had to first listen to God, which is a spiritual act. 🤔

Whichever way you see it, I’ll be prioritizing health holistically. That’s the key! SO don’t panick, or chide me. 🤣😂🤣😂

This means physical, mental and spiritual well-being. (Or body, mind and soul.) All three parts are greatly benefited by my “second” priority which is Abiding in God.

What is Abiding in God?

Jesus invited and instructed the disciples to abide in him by saying this:

“I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He lops off every branch that doesn’t produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops. He has already tended you by pruning you back for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands I gave you. Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me.”

John 15:1-4

This is a beautiful metaphor expressing that in order to grow and benefit from our established relationship with God we need to follow in step with Jesus closely. Or live in Him.

Scripture also puts it another way in the book of John:

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!

Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this. —Proverbs 3:7-12 (The message)

While we can do much to bring health to our own bodies, God can do exceedingly more if it’s His will for us. Following His guidance (or His wisdom) can not only keep us from physical harm, but also bring rest and recovery to our weary souls. Only God can truly protect and heal us in this way. If we rely solely on our own understanding and strength we will eventually come to the realization that we can do nothing apart from God. He is the rightful caretaker of heaven and earth, and we are HIS creation.

We are even his children if we have become His heirs. We become sons and daughters of God when we believe in his Son (Jesus Christ), as Bible Scripture assures us.

“But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.” –John 1:12 -13

Thank you for reading, and God bless!

—Tina ❤️