Considering the health of our souls is an activity we can ignore for far too long, to our own peril.

We don’t need to have an advanced degree in theology to recall men and women in the scriptures who simply turned a deaf ear to the cries of their shriveling souls:

• Abram—when he slept with his wife’s maidservant just after a remarkable encounter with God.
• Lot—dwelling inside the evil cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with no apparent concern for doing so.
• Rebekah—scheming to get Jacob the blessing when God had already promised it to him.
• David—staying home from war when he should have been leading his men, then taking a second glance at a married woman and setting tragedy into motion for his entire family.
• A Pharisee—who had Jesus at his dinner table but was too confident in his own righteousness to bend the knee.
• Peter—refusing to listen to Jesus’ warning, then denying him three times, in tears.
• Me—when I allow thoughts of jealousy and envy to turn my heart cold toward a sister in Christ.
• You—when _________________________________ (How would you fill in the blank?)

Describe the condition of your soul right now.

List five things that strengthen your soul.

List five things that weaken your soul.

Choose one of the following books to read to help keep you mindful of your soul’s health. I have read them all and have been deeply ministered to by the insights of each author.

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

A Shelter in the Time of Storm by Paul David Tripp

Experiencing the Death of Jesus Christ by Jeanne Guyon

Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership by Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima

Surrender to Love by David Benner

The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner