There is an interesting side discussion going on around
Message 368 in the thread
Importance of Original Sin.
I think it's an important topic that deserves it's very own thread.
This thread is about discussing aspects of the human spirit and how it plays a part in our lives.
What is the human spirit?Some think it is a separate entity (body, mind, spirit) of human existence.
Some think it is a portion of humanity that is linked more with theological idea.
Some think it is a piece of God.
I don't believe any of that.
I think the human spirit is whatever each and everyone of us needs it to be.
I think the human spirit is our own personal junk drawer.
Everyone has a junk drawer at home... the one drawer where little trinkets or minor pieces of information you want to keep around end up. The drawer as the human spirit represents "whatever it is we need it to be."
It can be a source of unimaginable power (hope and will).
It can be a source of entertainment when things are dull.
It can be a source of strength when required, or just an extra laugh with friends.
It's the place that when you need something... maybe not even knowing what that thing is... you can go to that place and find inspiration to continue.
Are some people able to judge that another's spirit is weak or strong?Not unless you let them.
Just like the junk drawer at home, no one knows what you keep for when you need it. Only you. You can open the drawer and show others, but there are likely many hidden compartments that will always only be known to you.
The human spirit certainly can be weak or strong, but no one knows that state except for yourself. It's also possible to trick yourself into thinking your own spirit is healthy when it's actually weak. It's important to be honest with yourself when reflecting on your own personal abilities.
How many ways can the spirit be strengthened?It's varied for each of us.
Anyone claiming that it can only be done one way is only talking about themselves. Perhaps
their spirit can only be strengthened in one way, but they are not able to make this claim for other people. Your junk drawer is in your house, not theirs. You can do whatever you want to it (or nothing at all) whenever you'd like. The "organization" within the drawer is your own. Another person's system for finding what helps them may or may not work for you.
Does understanding our spirit bring us closer to God?I'm sure it does for some people.
Some people are very successful keeping a single tool in their junk drawer.
Others prefer a more varied approach.
The important concept is to make an honest review of yourself and stick with what feels right to you.
A junk drawer may or may not be perfect to show to others or be consistently logical or reasonable or absolutely true.
A junk drawer is about being whatever you need it to be. Storing the things you know you need. In order to figure out what those things are, you'll have to be honest with yourself.
How is this spirit helpful to human life at all?It may not be helpful.
But... it makes us us.
Some people need it.
Some people want it.
Some people use it for all it's worth.
Some people ignore it.
Some people are corrupted by it.
It is undefinable and without limitations.
I think the human spirit is whatever each and everyone of us needs it to be.
Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad.
For the forum of Faith and Belief, or maybe Coffee House if this doesn't include enough "God Stuff" (although I think the discussion will naturally revolve around that anyway).
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