Beech Tree News Network

The above title was on a magazine cover I saw once. As I read that title, I could not help but stand amazed at the extent to which our society has become enamored with self. Is it not amazing that someone could find “759 ways” to improve one’s physical life, and in all of this, could not see that there is but one thing that will make the most significant improvement? The most tremendous improvement for a person is the salvation of one’s soul from sin! Yes, the soul of man needs help rather than the body, for this is the part of man that endures! The apostle Paul wrote, “... though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (II Cor. 4:16; I Tim. 4:8). True “improvement” is going to come when we endeavor to make our souls right with God. This results in a permanent change for the better. It is not to be found spending our lives pursuing physical perfection, a temporary improvement at best (I Pet. 1:24)!

Such Biblical facts as these should show us that spending our days pursuing “759 ways” to improve our physical lives does little for us. We should focus on finding that “one thing” that will strengthen our spiritual lives now and prepare us for eternity! Let us focus on the soul and be determined to have it cleansed from sin and prepare ourselves for eternity! How is this done? It begins with obeying the Lord’s plan for salvation (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). Also, bear in mind that we need to continue by being faithful to God (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). We need to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1). It is tragic. Still, for many in this world, their soul is the last thing they think about! It is too easy to place jobs, retirement, hobbies, yard work, friends, and family responsibilities ahead of our soul and our relationship with God. Some think, “I’ll worry about my soul later.” Yet, many do not have a “later” (Prov. 27:1)!

Parents, what thought have you given to your children and their precious souls? Remember, you have been entrusted with these dear ones and are to train them correctly (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4; Titus 2:3-5; etc.). Parents, have we ever considered that passages such as Matthew 5:14-16, 7:12; Ephesians 4:25, 29, 31; II Timothy 2:2; and others apply in our homes? We cannot go on “auto-pilot” when raising our children! Do not assume children have Bible knowledge simply because they sat beside you in church services! Furthermore, don’t assume you have acquired sufficient Bible knowledge (Eph. 5:17; II Tim. 2:15) if you have done nothing but occupy a seat beside your children!

It is high time we stopped looking for “759 ways” to improve our physical lives and look for the ONE THING that will strengthen our souls! The physical life will follow when the soul is right before God. Isn’t this Christ’s point in Matthew 6:33? If we think that improving the physical body will improve the soul, we have put the cart before the horse! Think seriously about how we are living now and how we can prepare for eternity! (II Cor. 6:2)

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167