Control in Humans: Flesh, Soul, or Spirit

The age-old question of who controls you as a human has puzzled philosophers, theologians, and everyday people for centuries. The central ideas here revolve around the tripartite nature of the human experience: your body, your soul, and your spirit. These three components interact in complex ways, influencing your decisions, actions, and overall quality of life.

Your Body, Your Soul, and Your Spirit: Three Essential Ideas

Contrary to popular belief, there is no spirit separate from your soul. Your body is merely a vessel for your soul, which is the true essence of who you are. The soul and spirit are often used interchangeably, as they both represent the human essence beyond the physical body.

Imagine a diagram with you at the center. On one side, there is your soul, and on the other, your spirit. Both of these elements influence you, but ultimately, you are in charge.

The Soul: At the Carnal Center

Your soul is the part of you that is centered in the physical world. It is the seat of your senses and emotions. The six senses—sight, touch, taste, hearing, smell (and yes, there is a sixth sense)—are all part of the soul. In the soul, emotions and impulses can create tumultuous interactions, leading to unexpected outcomes. External stimuli can affect your emotional state, causing miscommunications and unexpected reactions.

Think of your soul as the part of you that wanders, feeling the world with its various senses and emotions. You, as the central person, must navigate the complexities of the soul's influence on your life. This is where the 'FLESH YOU' comes into play—reaping the benefits and non-benefits of the tug of war between the soul and the spirit.

The Spirit: The Train Conductor

Your spirit, on the other hand, is the guiding force. It is like the conductor of a train, pushing the soul to maintain a steady course. The soul, without the direction of the spirit, is lost, wandering aimlessly and unaware of its path.

Your spirit sets goals and missions, driving you forward. It is the element that seeks to keep the engine running smoothly. In contrast, the soul is often adrift, seeking to act but lacking the direction to do so effectively. The tough challenges that arise from the soul’s impulses, desires, and emotions can hinder progress.

The Tug of War: Between Body, Soul, and Spirit

Your body, soul, and spirit are in constant dialogue. Each element can lead you in different directions:

Your Body: Your body is the vessel in which the soul and spirit operate. A healthy body can enhance your ability to pursue your goals, while a diseased body can hinder progress. For example, a depressed person may feel tired and stay in bed, affecting the soul and the body. Conversely, a motivated person can push through and establish a daily routine, driven by the spirit. Your Soul: The soul is the emotional core, influenced by external stimuli. It can be both a strength and a weakness. Some emotions, like eustress (positive stress), motivate you to achieve goals. However, when these emotions are overwhelming and futile, a battle between the soul and spirit ensues. The soul, driven by emotions, competes with the spirit, which aims to maintain a steady course. Your Spirit: The spirit is the guiding force, setting goals and missions. Without a clear sense of purpose, the soul can lead you astray. Your spirit is what keeps you motivated and focused, even when the journey is challenging. It is the element that seeks to maintain order and progress.

Real-World Examples

Consider a scenario where you want to go to Manchester. Your body might argue that you need to take a break for snacks, while your soul wants to spend time thinking and planning. Your spirit, however, has a mission and a schedule to adhere to. This tug of war between your body, soul, and spirit determines which factor ultimately controls your actions.

In another example, a depressed person who feels tired and sleepy is experiencing the soul’s influence. However, if they decide to get up and establish a morning routine, this is driven by the spirit. The spirit helps the soul to overcome depression and move forward.

Balancing the Elements

To live a balanced and fulfilling life, it is essential to find harmony between your body, soul, and spirit. Recognize the interplay between these elements and work towards aligning their influences. By understanding and harnessing the power of each, you can take control of your life and achieve your goals.