When we think of core building, the first thing that probably comes to mind is exercising. Doing yoga stretches, Pilates, cardio, and strength training are all good for you. They strengthen your muscles, make tendons flexible, increase balance, and get your heart pumping while improving all the systems of your body. We were designed to move, not sit all day.
But deeper than our physical core is our spiritual core. As the author C.S. Lewis said, “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” Our soul is actually our true core! Let’s think about that.
This verse in the Holy Bible takes us all the way back to the garden of Eden when God created Adam’s physical body in Genesis 2:7 (NLT). His body was a “shell” until this happened:
“Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils. and the man became a living person.”
Ever since then, all people after Adam are composed of the same parts: body, soul, and spirit (read 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Everyone’s physical body will eventually die and return to the “dust of the ground,” but our soul will continue to live eternally – with God in Heaven or apart from Him in hell, according to God’s Word. We have been given free will and as pastor Greg Laurie has said (paraphrased): God doesn’t send people to hell. People send themselves to hell by the choice they make in this life.
The soul is the unseen part of each of us, yet it’s just as real as our bodies. We can’t see our thoughts, our will, or our emotions for example, but we know for a fact they are real. We use them every day. But just like the body we take to the gym, on a bike ride or on a walk, our soul core needs intentional tending too. It can also become lazy and flabby or weak and malnourished. Here are a few ways to build your true core:
- Get soul strength from the Lord. No matter what your body goes through in this life, it’s temporary! As believers, we can claim every promise He’s given us and be strong in Him, far beyond what our physical bodies are able to endure. Ephesians 6:10b (NLT) tells us, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
- Get soul food from reading, studying and applying the word of God. For over 20 years, I’ve weighed myself every day. The scale tells me, honestly, where I’m at. Then I know what adjustments I need to make to stay on track. God’s Word is like a scale for our inner core that can do the same. Jesus says in Matthew 4:4b (NIV), “It Is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (He is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3).
- Get soul balance from God’s wisdom and truth. It transcends temporary culture and the lies of the enemy, satan. Choose light over darkness and understand what is truly happening in our world and in your life. James 1:5 (NIV) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Get soul refreshment from the peace that lives within you in every situation. As a believer, when you accepted God’s free gift of salvation by the forgiveness of your sins through Jesus Christ, you also received the gift of the Holy Spirit who lives within you. Before He returned to Heaven, Jesus Himself says in John 14:26-27 (NLT). “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give as a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. “
Just as we feed, cleanse, clothe, and care for our temporary bodies, let’s prioritize improving and tending our soul core every day too. It’s the part of us that’s actually most important!
RESET HIGHER: How will you build your core today? Start with the list above and pick a place to begin: soul strength, food, balance, or refreshment. Like any other health habit, it begins with discipline and making better choices. If discipline hasn’t been your thing, the good news is that it can be! Start small, but keep going. Add more and you’ll see and feel the benefits in your life and relationships.
It’s also a great idea to join or start a small group to help each other grow in the Lord and get stronger together!
