The Greek philosopher Plato referred to the soul as a psyche with 3 parts: reason, high spirited and appetite. Modern definitions suggest the soul is the essence of who you are, personification or something connected to the heart and mind. However you envision the soul, one thing is clear, sooner or later a cleansing will be necessary.
If a car needs their cooling system flushed every 50,000 to 75,000 miles, then why would individuals go years without cleansing their soul. The Message Bible provides a modern illustration of what it means to be purge your soul from the stresses of life. Listen to Jesus as he addresses wounded souls: 28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
An Old Testament prophet recounts a similar procedure within Isaiah 1:12-20. The situation recorded takes us behind the scenes to God’s perspective. Exposing the flaws of mankind, impure motives abound, preventing the Lord from answering prayers for forgiveness. Yet, when honest lips take the initiative, the cleansing process can commence. Nonetheless, words are meaningless unless acts of contrition follow. Therefore, if you truly want transgressions of the past flushed out of your body, practice the words of Isaiah 1:16-18 and you too can experience a cleansing of your soul.
by Jay Mankus