Luke 11:17
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.

Homily:

1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.

The oneness of spirit (identity), soul (personality) and body (dwelling), also known as the tri-unity, is central to wholeness.

Recall the advice of Jesus –

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

Temptation is the rationalisation of the soul for the short term pleasure of the body.

Spirit and soul can either be in a battle for supremacy over the body, or you let the spirit lead.

For wholeness, let the spirit lead.

Paul gives us glimpses into the things we can see in ourselves, that will act as pointers to whether it is the body or the spirit that leads.

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

And Jesus said,

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” – Matthew 7:16

Let the spirit lead.