~This side of the 'glass'~
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(Good read...many should carefully ponder the truth)
What causes soul sickness?
Soul Sickness: A Frequently Missed Diagnosis
The internal stress may be borne of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. The external stress may arise from insufficient coping skills for dealing with the problems and suffering that life brings almost everyone. Rather than transcending the suffering, patients with soul sickness have “checked out” of life.
The first symptom is the lack of peace. The body needs water, sleep, and food. Likewise, the soul needs peace, and rest.
HEALTH OF THE SOUL
Throughout life our immaterial self, that is our soul, needs lots of special care. The activity of spiritual life is maintaining, fine tuning, nourishing, guiding and guarding the soul. Neglecting the soul leads to all sorts of problems in life—or should I say all problems in life. Just as the body can become ill from neglect, so too the soul can become sick if it is not cared for and nourished. And if one notices he is ill but does not seek treatment the illness progresses. This applies also to the small or seemingly minor symptoms that we observe. If we see even the slightest sign of a symptom with our body we rush to seek a physician, but with the soul do don’t have the same response. We neglect, procrastinate, avoid, and then explain away all the symptoms and warning signs.
Sickness of soul can creep in through any of the thee power of the soul—through the mind, will and heart. It can also creep in to the soul through the body—through the five physical senses. There can be a myriad of symptoms that indicate illness of the soul, but some of the more common indicators are prolonged states of: unhappiness, instability, anxiety, confusion, restlessness, discontent, obsession and fear. Beyond this there are hundreds of symptoms. These indicators and symptoms are traced back to sin, or what the Church Fathers call the 8 passions.
These illnesses of the soul often start in the mind—in our thoughts. If left untreated the disease then spreads to the will and makes its way to the heart or spiritual center of the soul. In some cases these illnesses become established and the person learns to be accustomed to the diseases. The person goes through life, and experiences all its ups and downs, and suffers from the cycles of pleasure and pain, without a clue that there is an illness deep inside. That’s the best case scenario. In the worst case, if the illnesses persist and continue spreading, the soul can eventually collapse into itself like a dying star. In modern terms this can be called a nervous breakdown. The disease can become all consuming, as a person becomes primarily engrossed with self. This is when the physical senses take over and the heart becomes darkened and unfamiliar. God and purpose are no longer of interest and the worst kind of illness of the soul is established.
When talking about disease of the soul we cannot avoid discussing one of the more unpleasant things about being human, and that is sin. The topic is one that is rarely openly discussed in our society. It is something that we would rather not talk about, or even think about. The mere pronouncement of the word itself causes most people to cringe and feel uncomfortable. However, the path to inner happiness requires a close look at sin and the 8 passions. We must face both sin and the passions head on for this is the cause of all unhappiness and suffering. This is at the core of unseen warfare.
What causes soul sickness?
Soul Sickness: A Frequently Missed Diagnosis
The internal stress may be borne of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. The external stress may arise from insufficient coping skills for dealing with the problems and suffering that life brings almost everyone. Rather than transcending the suffering, patients with soul sickness have “checked out” of life.
The first symptom is the lack of peace. The body needs water, sleep, and food. Likewise, the soul needs peace, and rest.
HEALTH OF THE SOUL
Throughout life our immaterial self, that is our soul, needs lots of special care. The activity of spiritual life is maintaining, fine tuning, nourishing, guiding and guarding the soul. Neglecting the soul leads to all sorts of problems in life—or should I say all problems in life. Just as the body can become ill from neglect, so too the soul can become sick if it is not cared for and nourished. And if one notices he is ill but does not seek treatment the illness progresses. This applies also to the small or seemingly minor symptoms that we observe. If we see even the slightest sign of a symptom with our body we rush to seek a physician, but with the soul do don’t have the same response. We neglect, procrastinate, avoid, and then explain away all the symptoms and warning signs.
Sickness of soul can creep in through any of the thee power of the soul—through the mind, will and heart. It can also creep in to the soul through the body—through the five physical senses. There can be a myriad of symptoms that indicate illness of the soul, but some of the more common indicators are prolonged states of: unhappiness, instability, anxiety, confusion, restlessness, discontent, obsession and fear. Beyond this there are hundreds of symptoms. These indicators and symptoms are traced back to sin, or what the Church Fathers call the 8 passions.
These illnesses of the soul often start in the mind—in our thoughts. If left untreated the disease then spreads to the will and makes its way to the heart or spiritual center of the soul. In some cases these illnesses become established and the person learns to be accustomed to the diseases. The person goes through life, and experiences all its ups and downs, and suffers from the cycles of pleasure and pain, without a clue that there is an illness deep inside. That’s the best case scenario. In the worst case, if the illnesses persist and continue spreading, the soul can eventually collapse into itself like a dying star. In modern terms this can be called a nervous breakdown. The disease can become all consuming, as a person becomes primarily engrossed with self. This is when the physical senses take over and the heart becomes darkened and unfamiliar. God and purpose are no longer of interest and the worst kind of illness of the soul is established.
When talking about disease of the soul we cannot avoid discussing one of the more unpleasant things about being human, and that is sin. The topic is one that is rarely openly discussed in our society. It is something that we would rather not talk about, or even think about. The mere pronouncement of the word itself causes most people to cringe and feel uncomfortable. However, the path to inner happiness requires a close look at sin and the 8 passions. We must face both sin and the passions head on for this is the cause of all unhappiness and suffering. This is at the core of unseen warfare.
"The idea of duty is simple. We all have a job to do in life. Duty is the recognition that we all have
a responsibility to God and others. Duty is daily performing unselfish acts, whether great or small,
that bless others and make the world a better place to live. Duty is working hard six days a week and resting one.
Duty is taking care of family, teaching children, caring for the sick and dying. Duty is having a servant’s heart,
taking pride in everything you do, and doing it to the best of our ability. ~Spiritually inspired~... “In the same way,
when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’”
a responsibility to God and others. Duty is daily performing unselfish acts, whether great or small,
that bless others and make the world a better place to live. Duty is working hard six days a week and resting one.
Duty is taking care of family, teaching children, caring for the sick and dying. Duty is having a servant’s heart,
taking pride in everything you do, and doing it to the best of our ability. ~Spiritually inspired~... “In the same way,
when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’”
'Scripture and reason—the two together comprise the formula for true discernment. Yet in many American churches and social media, reason has been abandoned for something more digestible; faith that feels good. It is called "reckless faith"—and it leads people away from the one true God. Because of it, numerous Christians have lost their way. They've given up absolute truth in favor of blind, uncritical trust. Replaced black-and-white, foundational doctrine with clouded belief systems.'
'They've even come to view reason and doctrine with contempt—as if spiritual truth were supposed to bypass the mind altogether. In the wake of such emotion-based "faith", the church is losing its ability to discern right from wrong. And it is leaving itself defenseless against false teaching. But there is still time for the church to turn around. Still time for a return to discernment—if Christians will "incline their hearts to understanding" and begin to use their hearts, their minds, and the unchanging Word of God to determine the truth that endures forever.'
'They've even come to view reason and doctrine with contempt—as if spiritual truth were supposed to bypass the mind altogether. In the wake of such emotion-based "faith", the church is losing its ability to discern right from wrong. And it is leaving itself defenseless against false teaching. But there is still time for the church to turn around. Still time for a return to discernment—if Christians will "incline their hearts to understanding" and begin to use their hearts, their minds, and the unchanging Word of God to determine the truth that endures forever.'
Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23 New King James Version).
God is not as much impressed by what we say as the state of our hearts. Relationship with God or walking with God is a matter of the heart and that’s the heart of the matter. Many can call Him Lord but their hearts are far away from Him. Hypocrites! They are only paying lip service to Him, no heart service. God is looking at the heart.
Lip service! As I said, Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah to answer the Scribes and the Pharisees. This is what Isaiah 29:13-14 says: “Therefore the Lord said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden’” (Isaiah 29:13-14 New King James Version).
The Amplified Bible says the nation of Israel “approaches [Me only] with their words and honors Me [only] with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me is a tradition that is learned by rote [without any regard for its meaning]” (Isaiah 29:13). Did you see the phrase lip service?
Hear what the LORD says to the wicked in Psalm 50:16-17: “Recite my laws no longer, and don’t pretend that you obey me. For you refuse my discipline and treat my laws like trash” (New Living Translation). Their hearts were not in the recitation. God hates lip service. Don’t pretend before God. Or better still, stop pretending.
God’s first concern is not how fluently or powerfully you can preach, how fervently you can pray, or the number of Bible verses you can quote. It is the state of your heart. Is your heart right with Him? Is it close to Him? Do you love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind? (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). 1 Samuel 16:7 says the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
God wants your heart, not lip service. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you; return to Him and He will return to you (James 4:8; Zephaniah 3:1-2; Zechariah 1:3; Malachi 3:7). Don’t let your heart be far from Him while your mouth talks a lot about Him. This is hypocrisy. Draw near to God in sincerity; return to Him. Don’t be like the nation of Judah that God said had not turned to Him with her whole heart, but in pretense (Jeremiah 3:10).
Psalm 78:34-36 says this of the Israelites: “When God began killing them, they finally sought him. They repented and took God seriously. Then they remembered that God was their rock, that God Most High was their redeemer. But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues” (New Living Translation). Did you see again the phrase lip service? Don’t give God lip service. If you’ve gone away from Him, return to Him sincerely. If you’re playing games with Him, stop it. Nothing is hidden from Him.
Lip service! Stop it. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Psalm 145:18 says the LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Give Him heart service, not lip service. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24 New King James Version).
God wants your obedience and devotion. He doesn’t want half-heartedness in worshipping Him. He hates pretence, insincerity, or hypocrisy. He is looking at your heart. He searches the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). He knows the heart of all men (Acts 1:24). Be sincere; don’t be a hypocrite. God wants your heart, not lip service.
TAKE ACTION!
('Articles in this thread are compiled from various public domain sources.
Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on. Be sure to do your own careful 'inventory' before
taking action based on anything you find in this content. Intended solely as informative and
subjects of 'Reflections of Life'...'This side of the glass')
God is not as much impressed by what we say as the state of our hearts. Relationship with God or walking with God is a matter of the heart and that’s the heart of the matter. Many can call Him Lord but their hearts are far away from Him. Hypocrites! They are only paying lip service to Him, no heart service. God is looking at the heart.
Lip service! As I said, Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah to answer the Scribes and the Pharisees. This is what Isaiah 29:13-14 says: “Therefore the Lord said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden’” (Isaiah 29:13-14 New King James Version).
The Amplified Bible says the nation of Israel “approaches [Me only] with their words and honors Me [only] with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me is a tradition that is learned by rote [without any regard for its meaning]” (Isaiah 29:13). Did you see the phrase lip service?
Hear what the LORD says to the wicked in Psalm 50:16-17: “Recite my laws no longer, and don’t pretend that you obey me. For you refuse my discipline and treat my laws like trash” (New Living Translation). Their hearts were not in the recitation. God hates lip service. Don’t pretend before God. Or better still, stop pretending.
God’s first concern is not how fluently or powerfully you can preach, how fervently you can pray, or the number of Bible verses you can quote. It is the state of your heart. Is your heart right with Him? Is it close to Him? Do you love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind? (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). 1 Samuel 16:7 says the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
God wants your heart, not lip service. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you; return to Him and He will return to you (James 4:8; Zephaniah 3:1-2; Zechariah 1:3; Malachi 3:7). Don’t let your heart be far from Him while your mouth talks a lot about Him. This is hypocrisy. Draw near to God in sincerity; return to Him. Don’t be like the nation of Judah that God said had not turned to Him with her whole heart, but in pretense (Jeremiah 3:10).
Psalm 78:34-36 says this of the Israelites: “When God began killing them, they finally sought him. They repented and took God seriously. Then they remembered that God was their rock, that God Most High was their redeemer. But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues” (New Living Translation). Did you see again the phrase lip service? Don’t give God lip service. If you’ve gone away from Him, return to Him sincerely. If you’re playing games with Him, stop it. Nothing is hidden from Him.
Lip service! Stop it. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Psalm 145:18 says the LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Give Him heart service, not lip service. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24 New King James Version).
God wants your obedience and devotion. He doesn’t want half-heartedness in worshipping Him. He hates pretence, insincerity, or hypocrisy. He is looking at your heart. He searches the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). He knows the heart of all men (Acts 1:24). Be sincere; don’t be a hypocrite. God wants your heart, not lip service.
TAKE ACTION!
('Articles in this thread are compiled from various public domain sources.
Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on. Be sure to do your own careful 'inventory' before
taking action based on anything you find in this content. Intended solely as informative and
subjects of 'Reflections of Life'...'This side of the glass')
"It is my belief, that without a spiritual heart, of little encouragement shall there likely
be forthcoming from most or all of the Bible. This is concluded by the fact that without a spiritual heart,
obviously the flesh heart shall be more prevalent with worldly desires...this being human nature."
'This truth should be looked upon as a reminder of precisely what the inspired words have put
forth pertaining to lost souls being of significant referenced to that are addressed within the inspired words,
and the purpose intended should never be ignored, although it appears to be.'
'Proclaimed 'Christians' with their worldly agendas are not compatible with the intended
spiritual purpose that should be attended to...here in the now.'
(Be sure to do your own careful 'inventory' before taking action based on anything you find in this content.
Intended solely as informative and subjects of 'Reflections of Life'...'This side of the glass')
be forthcoming from most or all of the Bible. This is concluded by the fact that without a spiritual heart,
obviously the flesh heart shall be more prevalent with worldly desires...this being human nature."
'This truth should be looked upon as a reminder of precisely what the inspired words have put
forth pertaining to lost souls being of significant referenced to that are addressed within the inspired words,
and the purpose intended should never be ignored, although it appears to be.'
'Proclaimed 'Christians' with their worldly agendas are not compatible with the intended
spiritual purpose that should be attended to...here in the now.'
(Be sure to do your own careful 'inventory' before taking action based on anything you find in this content.
Intended solely as informative and subjects of 'Reflections of Life'...'This side of the glass')
https://christianchat.com/threads/i-saw-the-light.182858/post-5237077
"And the truth of it all, many have not the spiritual understanding that is so needed."
"And the truth of it all, many have not the spiritual understanding that is so needed."
"And know this and know it well...no one, not even one has the rightful authority to
pervert, change, rearrange and/or add to the inspired wisdom of the teachings of Jesus Christ."
'Sadly, 'proclaimed Christians" have lost sight of a necessary duty of bringing lost souls into
God's sacred spiritual fold. And any action whatsoever that hinders, prevents, brings cause of
confusion through deception and/or falseness shall not now or ever come to know of God's eternal Kingdom.'
'Ignoring the wisdom of spiritually proclaimed warnings should never be taken lightly...
And to grieve the Holy Spirit shall most likely leave a desolate heart.'
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