(Note: Some years ago the Reader's Digest produced a series of articles on the various organs of "Joe's" body, including the heart, lungs, glands, ears, nose, and teeth. Since an article had not appeared on the subject of Joe's soul, J. Ralph Brewer, author of this article, felt the topic was worthy of consideration. Ralph Brewer a close, personal friend of mine, passed away earlier this year. I miss you, Ralph.)I am Joe's soul.
I am undoubtedly the most mysterious part of Joe's being. I cannot be seen by the X ray, for I am invisible. I cannot be detected by the stethoscope, for I am inaudible. I cannot be probed by the surgeon's scalpel, for I am intangible.
Because of my unusual nature, some people have mistakenly concluded that I am nonexistent. The Bible, however, clearly establishes the fact that I am real and reinforces this position by referring to me more than 500 hundred times. I am mentioned in 41 of the Bible's 66 books, as writers of sacred scripture from Moses to the Apostle John (a period of some 1, 500 years) express profound belief in my existence.
While there are some differences of opinion among theologians as to my exact location and role, it is generally agreed that I along with my counterpart, Joe's spirit, comprise Joe's entire inner nature. As a matter of fact, I am realy what makes Joe tick. I am so closely identified with, and interrelated to, Joe's body that without me he could not see, hear, feel, taste, smell, reason, or remember.
I also have a vital affect upon Joe's emotions. I express love, fear, desire, sorrow, as well as other human responses. To state it concisely, I am Joe's life. I permeate every molecule of his being and control all his functions. With out me Joe would not be alive at all.
Unfortunately, Joe, like millions of people, tends to ignore me and to place excessive emphasis on his body.
The truth is, if Joe's body could be broken down into chemical components and figured at commerical value, he would be worth only a few dollars at the most. His body would contain enough potassium to make one shot for a toy cap pistol; enough iron for an eight-penny nail; enough sulphur to keep fleas off a dog; enough lime to whitewash a chicken coop; enough magnesia to make a single dose for a sour stomach; and enough phosphorous to cover 2,200 matches.
Now please don't misunderstand me. I'm not trying to degrade Joe or minimize his personal worth. Actually, Joe is quite a remarkable being. He has a brain that weighs only 50 ounces, yet contains over 50 billion cells. This amazing computer is capable of receiving, storing, and recalling vast amounts of information for an unbelievable length of time.
Joe has a delicate pump in his body that will beat over 2.5 billion times during his life-span as it circulates blood throughout his system. Furthermore, he has an intricate network of nerves so extensive that they would reach for miles if laid end to end.
So you see, I agree that Joe is "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139:14), and that he should value and respect his body as a special gift from the all-wise Designer and Creator.
"But listen," Joe, "I'm here also. I too am a gift from God. I'm your soul and I want to be acknowledged and respected. Whether you know it or not, I am your most valuable possession.
Unlike your body, I am eternal.
Your body will die, but I will live forever. The plans you make for me will decided your eternal destiny. Think it over, Joe. Think it over carefully and prayerfully. Decide your values, establish your goals, make your plans, and live your life, but don't ever forget me.
Remember: He who prepares well for this life, but takes no thought for eternity is wise for a moment, but a fool forever.
