A Soul in Surplus

sur·plus  adj.

Being more than or in excess of what is needed or required.

Is your Soul in Surplus? There are seasons in life that demand heart and soul; decisions and determination; pursuit and poise; challenge and change; focus and fight. Life can also take us completely by surprise; the unintended; the unexpected; the uninvited or the unforeseen! Whoever you are and no matter what you do, it is to your advantage in life to live with a Soul in Surplus.

The apostle John prayed …I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers. Your soul is referred to in the Bible as your core being, and elsewhere, as a person’s total self. C.S Lewis profoundly stated You don’t have a soul. You are a soul and you have a body. Your soul consists of your mind, will and emotions. These are the most influential and interconnected elements of your life – and neglecting them, can have negative consequences on your health and quality of life. Proverbs says, Keep vigilant watch over your [heart]; that’s where life starts. It’s important therefore that we learn to diligently manage these key elements in order to prosper in all things.

Many people’s perspective in life can be black or white, but what I’m talking about is life experienced in black or red! Let me explain. As you may know, in the red and in the black are accounting terms. In the red means a negative value or below zero, and in the black a positive value - and prudently recommended! Therefore across the balance of your life, your soul is either in the black or in the red. We need discretion in this regard, the ability to be sensitive and responsive. Pre-empting the need to make the necessary adjustments in our life. 

Life doesn’t discriminate. Hard times are inevitable but with foresight we need not be unprepared or incapable. Emotional bankruptcy is responsible for many bad decisions with ranging consequences. Struggling to get by with a soul that is either at risk of, or already in the red is debilitating. The indicators are clear; a soul in the red or in deficit is paralysed by problems. They feel anxious and powerless to effect change or take action. They always have something to prove. Achievement is always on display. It is filled with negativity and has a defeated outlook on life. It is consumed with self but focuses on what other’s have. This soul often overlooks their own blessing but notices and resents other people’s and is cynical of their success. They constantly and unwisely compete and compare themselves. A soul in deficit is overcome by need. They have a scarcity mindset, often ruled by lack. A soul in deficit is starved of freeing truth, or healthy mindsets. It is dominated by discontent. It is insatiable; always needing more and impossible to satisfy. Benjamin Franklin said; Discontent makes rich men poor, contentment makes poor men rich.

Consider the following things that I believe replenish and restore the soul; Anchor your soul with prayer. I find that my relationship with God is a source of great peace, strength and confidence. It effectively deals with my anxieties and puts into perspective my challenges. Take time to meditate on the right things. The Bible is full of life principles and timeless truths that graciously instruct us to live well. Discover and fulfill your purpose in life. Your soul needs identity resolve. This is who I am, and what I am on earth for. Look out for the interests of others and find ways to be generous. Proverbs says, The generous soul will be made rich, and He who waters will also be watered himself. Rest your soul. Take time out for recreational activity that refreshes you. Finally, make your peace with people, and with your Maker. Reconciliation is very important to the health of your soul. Forgive and be forgiven.  

A Soul in Surplus is a prosperous soul with enlarged capacity. Whether it’s vision you’re pursuing, temptation you’re resisting, adversity your overcoming or relationships you’re building, a soul in surplus has what it takes - and some! The mind is powerful, emotions are compelling and the will influential. When these elements are healthy, people have the potential to be so resilient in life. Fortitude is one characteristic of a soul in surplus. It’s defined as strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage. Fortitude however, is afforded to those who build emotional capacity and develop healthy mindsets and positive attitudes. This gives them the rare capacity to withstand, persevere and overcome - and prosper in all things.

Character Calibration

tr.v. cal·i·brate

To check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard.

Character is not that sexy a subject – unless it’s a public figure caught in a compromising position by a journalist! Many love reading and learning about keys to prosperity, steps to success and or principles of leadership etc. In an ambitious attempt to get ahead in life, we can underestimate the importance of things like character, cutting corners and taking short cuts, which sadly lead to destiny detours, delays and dead ends. But I strongly believe that a good character under girds and gives rise to promotion; longevity; prosperity; success; opportunity and much more.

It’s been said that 'Character is like a diamond, which scratches every other stone.' In other words, character has a significant impact on every area of your life – business; career; ministry; marriage; family; finances; friendship etc.

Character has been defined this way; 'Character is the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life, which determine his or her response regardless of circumstance.' Another defines it this way, 'It is the guiding force embraced with an unshakable set of principles that forge the way in the midst of confusion and disarray…' Character is a predetermined resolve to respond honourably in any predicament despite the consequence.

'The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.' // Proverbs 10:9

A lack of good character tragically stamps an expiry date, limiting the long-term sustainability of success, and the lifespan of blessing in our lives. 'It is impossible to be our best at the supreme moment if character is corroded and eaten into by daily inconsistency, unfaithfulness, and besetting sin.'

Are you becoming the person you want to be, or are happy with? Character is developed daily, and credibility gained gradually, but can be lost suddenly. 'Character may be manifested in great moments but it is made in the small ones.' It’s fashioned by personal choices and private company. It is developed by conviction not convenience, by design not by default. Scripture says, 'Unless you are faithful in the small matters, you won’t be faithful in the large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.' Therefore it’s in the everyday moments of our life, both in the seen and unseen, that we prepare ourselves for the greater ones.

'until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.' // Psalm 105.19

In Genesis 39, we read about Joseph, a young man with bold dreams who passes a series of character tests. He received a promotion and was given the opportunity to oversee all of his boss’ affairs. Joseph was confronted with his own supreme moments, one of those being the intense and consistent sexual advancements from his boss’ wife - and despite the seductive nature of the temptation he refused emphatically. Joseph’s moral compass, based on his fear of the Lord, very effectively overrode his own natural inclinations and urges. Vulnerable moments like these are more character testing, than they are character building. Remember, 'Character is not made in a crisis it is only exhibited.' We are all susceptible to compromise, especially in weak areas of our life, but we are less likely to bow, fall or comply when our convictions are clear and commissioned.

Society rises and falls on the quality of its collective character. It’s reliant on the responsibility and reliability of its people. Embedded in the soul of society are aspirational qualities such as humility; honour; integrity and loyalty. The world often, and rightly so, reminds those who profess to be Christian how they should live. They can easily identify the un-characteristics of godly conduct. Our character is on display for all to see, and more widely publicised and broadcast these days with social media etc. If we set the bar, or believe in the standards that the bar represents, it is only right that we ourselves comfortably clear it and humbly admit when we miss the mark in doing so.

Therefore wisdom beckons your attention, and graciously says to you concerning character, dismiss it and it will be to your own demise - develop it and it will distinguish you.