Soul

Soul: noun; the animating principle

There are many definitions of soul. When tied to religion it becomes very confusing. There are two contradicting opinions held which, if one is true negates the other. I wrestled with this over the years and discovered an interesting observation. Jews speak of the soul as Christian’s do the spirit. Clarity cannot be found in arguing semantics.

I have chosen for clarity a definition which does not involve religion. Given that all systems of the body function as designed, what causes us to roll out of bed in the morning? What causes us to cry? What causes us to like the taste of some things which are despised by others? Why do we smile, frown or scowl? All these things are deemed common among all mankind. Animation is not unique to mankind. Animals are animatronic also. Elephants mourn. Cats play. Dogs seek affection. Animals have souls.

Some say that intellect separates us from animals. Animals have intellect. Perhaps the most intellect on earth might be seen in dolphins. They can use sonar to see fish in the dark. Bats use radar. That is something we cannot do. So exactly what is it that does make man something besides an animal?

We are the only species which demonstrates an awareness of a creator. The demonstration of awareness goes back far before reading, writing and reasoning. Primitive cultures around the globe have left evidence of higher power worship. Yet there is nothing within the animating principle which can be seen as responsible for this awareness. It goes beyond the ability of the animating principle to generate.

If it were part of the animating principle animals would share the same awareness. They do not. So by reason of awareness and awareness alone, man should accept that there is a force which is external to the animating principle at work. Call it whatever you want.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

Motive

Mark 12:41-43 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

I heard this Sunday during the sermon and the pastor did not even come close to preaching on these scripture. This goes back to something I said last week about hearing a word and how the Spirit can make it real, relevant and timely.

I’ve heard this passage taught many times. Most of the time it is about giving tithes. Callous wealth does value the tithe, it has abundance and does not feel the loss. Poverty breeds desperation. She gave her life. She withheld nothing. I am sure there are more ways to look into this message and see something, some glimpse into the lives of these people and us.

But Sunday I was struck by one word that put me in mind of this poor widow and I had not heard it taught. Neither do I lay claim to truth. It is just a word and a word revealed is important unto itself. That word was devotion.

One of the definitions which is not tied directly to religious activities is the state of being ardently dedicated and loyal. The one thing missing in this woman’s testimony could not be seen in the telling per Mark 12 was her history. Jesus could look into her heart and know all that she was in life. We judge moments. We see a things in slices as if that moment tells the whole story.

Could it be that this woman changed not in her devotion to God even if her condition changed? She probably had better times. She had lived long enough to be called a widow. Could it be that Jesus looked deep into her life and saw a woman who was devote all her life and did not allow her circumstances to change her devotion?

Can I say the same?