THINGS HAVE A SOUL – BUT NO SPIRIT
- Things have a “soul” – but no “spirit”
The Bible says:
“Who knows the spirit of man that ascends upward, and the spirit of the beast that descends downward to the earth?”
(Ecclesiastes 3:21)
This question reveals a profound truth: all things are alive, sentient, and responsive – that is, have a “soul”. But only humans have a spirit – the deepest part, where they can commune with God.
- Things exist by the Word – and bear the mark of the Word
The Bible affirms:
“All things were created by him, and by his word they were established.”
(Hebrews 11:3)
That is: everything bears the imprint of God’s Word – from the smallest atom to the farthest star.
Therefore, all things have a “soul” – that is, they carry energy, order, and non-random operation.
But…
- Only humans have a “spirit” – the source of energy from the Divine Spirit
Unlike other creatures, humans are created in the image of God:
“God breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”
(Genesis 2:7)
This means:
The soul enables humans to feel, think, and will
The spirit enables humans to connect with the Spirit of God
This is the core – the center of divine energy – that only humans have.
It is this spirit that enables man to:
Know good and evil
Love unconditionally
Find eternal meaning
And especially: receive life from Heaven
- The difference between “soulful things” and “spiritual people”
CharacteristicsAll things (soulful)Humans (spiritual)React to the environmentYesYesHave emotions, memoryYes (limited)Yes (more complex)Self-awarenessNoYesCommunicate with GodNoYes (through the spirit)Bear the image of the SpiritNoYes
- Conclusion: True life is where the spirit lives
You can live by the spirit – that is, the emotions, the reason, the will.
But if your spirit has not been restored by the Holy Spirit – then you are still living “like” all things, not truly living with God.
“Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.”
(Romans 8:9)
“Be born again… not of the flesh, but of the Spirit of God.”
John 3:6
ARE YOU LIVING WITH A SPIRIT CONNECTED TO HEAVEN?
If not, you are only living “in the spirit” – but not “in the Spirit.”
Let your spirit be lit up by the Holy Spirit – and become a human spirit belonging to the Kingdom of Heaven.
AMEN.