Understanding who God is and fostering a personal relationship with Him lie at the core of living a meaningful life. The Bible serves as our primary guide for discovering God’s character and intentions.
Essentially, self-awareness, particularly discerning the distinctions between our soul and spirit, is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. While self-awareness in everyday usage often pertains to understanding and recognising one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, here it specifically involves discerning the differences between the soul and spirit to deepen one’s relationship with God.
Hebrews 4:12 highlights the transformative power of God’s Word, capable of penetrating the depths of our being: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Additionally, the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing profound spiritual truths to us is essential. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10–12, only the spirit of man connected to God’s spirit can understand things that pertain to God: “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. Who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
This discerning self-awareness forms the bedrock of our spiritual journey with God. By discerning the nuances between our soul and spirit, we deepen our relationship with Him and uncover His purpose for our lives. One practical application of this self-awareness is recognising when our inner witness, guided by the Holy Spirit, is at work within us. Through prayerful introspection, diligent study of scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can discern the promptings and convictions that align with God’s will.
Embracing this deeper understanding of self-awareness empowers us to live out our faith with conviction, bringing glory to God and blessing others as we fulfil our unique calling. As we nurture this awareness, may we draw closer to God and bask in His abundant grace in every facet of our existence.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk