[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during September 2021]
As we travel from infancy through maturity to old age we encounter a variety of experiences. As we learn through these experiences we make progress in three dimensions: body, mind, and spirit. These three dimensions come together to make up who we are. If we were academics we might describe these dimensions as representing the Sciences, the Arts, and the Humanities.
The physical dimension begins with the often-mythical idyll of childhood which forms the foundation for our adult activities that, in turn, lead to what we hope will be our golden years. For many people, their working years are times of busy-ness, stress and striving to make ends meet – they may not have the time or resources to just stop and be still. Later, for some, those golden years become tarnished and the passage of time becomes much more significant.
The emotional dimension includes the development of our mental faculties together with our relationship to the society around us. What is expected of us? We experiment with pushing the limits of rules; we learn to integrate, to comply with society’s norms, or not. It is here that we learn about the Arts and how they add to the richness of life.
The spiritual dimension is often neglected. Indifference, procrastination or the perceived priority of other matters serve to mask its importance. By contrast, it is here that we can have the greatest influence and receive the greatest benefits. It is an opportunity to slow down, consider a wider perspective and, if so inclined, to think about more eternal matters.
These thoughts remind us that God is also a trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Are we tempted to emphasise one entity in preference over the others? Do our perceptions change as we get older?
We might think of God the Father as the hands-on physical partner, controlling the universe and having the occasional laugh at our expense, whilst Jesus his Son is the one we relate to, the one who bought our salvation and deserves our love and adoration. Then there is the Holy Spirit – is he some kind of optional add-on, something extra for those who want to go OTT with their faith? Those tempted to think like that should recall the words of Elihu when addressing Job: “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life”[1]. Better still, read the second chapter of the book of Acts.
As the Israelites started their journey towards the promised land Moses, their leader, gave them an instruction to help them on their way:
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [Deuteronomy 6 v4-5 NIVUK]
‘Strength’ refers to our physical abilities, ‘heart’ recalls our emotions and ‘soul’ represents our spirit. Devout Jewish households still recall this instruction frequently, encouraging each generation to follow its advice. Does your response encompass the full three-dimensional experience?
[1] Job 33 v4 NIVUK.
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
Thanks Steve for your inspiring reflection. Life is certainly a journey with its ups and downs, but the Holy Spirit is able to sustain us in every situation.