Beware of Divorcing Our Soul From Our Physical Body

 

Introduction to Sodom

”So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah because their sin is so flagrant.  I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham.” Genesis 18:20-22

In these verses, we observe that God responds to the plea of a troubled heart seeking assistance. This cry is not a call for help from others, but rather a heartfelt expression of need. The plea that God hears is directed against the wicked city, originating not from its inhabitants but from those suffering from within. Since sin and evil inevitably create victims, it is reasonable to conclude that their cries arise from those afflictions they encounter in Sodom. These cries may not always be articulated, yet the deep sorrow and terrified wails resonate in God’s ears. The lamentation of the hurts may be muffled or remain trapped within the souls of each sin victim, but they are never beyond God’s grasp!

To fully understand the woman references in the Story of Sodom. We must first understand what Sodom signifies and represents. This city was infamous for its profound immorality, with its residents engaging in sexual behaviors and sins that directly contradict God’s intentions. Sodom faced destruction due to its arrogance, sloth, excess, and lack of compassion for the less fortunate. (Ezekiel 16:49)

In a world filled with imperfections, it’s tempting for us to selectively identify which sins we find most appalling or label them as the “worst of the worst” sins. If we avoid blatant transgressions like adultery, homosexuality, theft, and murder, we might convince ourselves that we are living righteously. However, what about the sins of pride, laziness, gluttony, unforgiveness, gossip, and apathy towards those in need? While these may not seem as shocking, they are equally condemning by God. It’s important to remember that God’s view on righteousness is not the same as ours. We must strive to understand and embody what it truly means to be “in right standing with Christ,” as emphasized in Romans 3:22.

Charles Swindoll states, “You see yourself as less than perfect, but not really as “evil” either. So when you say, “I think God should wipe out all evil,” what you mean is “God should wipe out all evil that’s worse than mine.”

The core issue isn’t the specific misdeed happening in our surroundings. It’s the profound effect these actions have on our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies. When we permit, embrace, and settle for these behaviors, they begin to shape the fundamental beliefs of our families. Over time, we come to accept these values as truth, distorting our understanding of right and wrong as defined by the Word of God.

It’s crucial to highlight that Lot and his family should never have found themselves in Sodom to begin with. Like Lot, in our own lives, we frequently overlook the areas where “Sodom” becomes our go-to environment simply because:

1. It’s where we were raised and it’s all I know.
2. It’s the place our families go to when we seek relief from life’s challenges, such as hurt, pain, depression, or rejection.
3. A sanctuary where I can truly express myself without fear of criticism. This can be in the form of a man cave, craft room, gym, hobbies, or where we can hide.

In moments when we find ourselves in environments or situations where we believe we can escape or detach from reality, we must tread carefully to ensure we’re not creating our own version of a “Clean sin” Sodom. (Meaning, It won’t send me to hell.) Their are certain places and states of mind we know we should avoid, even if we try to rationalize our presence there. We often persuade ourselves that our actions are harmless, Thinking, “It’s just a little…” This mindset can lead to compromises that foster a spiritual rift between our soul and our physical body. This reveals the places where the Holy Spirit is unwelcome. This insight goes beyond the concept of Salvation. This highlights that even righteous people like Lot and his family can make Sodom their dwelling place. They willingly left the Spirit of God outside their threshold stripping, splitting, and divorcing themselves from the Spirit of God they once valued and cherished.

I urge you to reflect deeply and ensure that you hold no form of access keys to this city, even if you believe you no longer use them. Discard those keys, remove your name from any visitor lists, and throw away any items or pictures that remind you of this place. Close off all pathways that might lead you to the notion of divorcing our spirit and body from the divine will of our heavenly Father. Remember the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” Romans 12:1-2, “ I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Before we dive into the stories of the three women in “Sodom,” I invite you to reflect on the areas in your life where you might feel torn. Regardless of how dire or hidden your circumstances may seem, there is always a path to freedom! The Lord has heard your cries and is aware of the injustices you’ve faced. He is sending messengers- to reach out to you. They will take your hand and guide you to safety beyond the city’s walls. Once you’re out, it’s time to RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! Don’t glance back or hesitate!

Question:

1. Do you have the faith to place your trust in God? If you find yourself lacking, ask Him for the faith to be given to you.
2. Have you invited the Holy Spirit to be Lord of your life? If not, open your heart, mind, will, and emotions to His presence.
3. What represents your Sodom? Take a moment to reflect and ask the Holy Spirit to uncover these aspects for you.
4. What prevents you from fully accepting the promises and freedoms that Christ offers us? What are you struggling to release?
5. What is the bait, lie, or temptation pulling you toward Sodom?
6. Are you prepared to release those ties and witness the dismantling of your Sodom? If the answer is yes, take a moment to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to identify any lingering traces of Sodom within you, one by one. Ask Him whether it’s related to your: home, a place you frequently visit, or your personal sanctuary?
7. Have you knowingly or unknowingly divorced yourself from the Holy Spirit? If that’s the case, seek repentance, renounce the separation, and embrace His forgiveness and love. Ask the Holy Spirit to restore your position back to being in “right standing” with Him.