Is it well with your soul?

The elder preacher was walking down the streets of London and thought he recognized a friend ahead of him. He rushed to catch up and shouted, "Friend, is it well with your soul?" The startled man turned around speechless at the question. The preacher realized it wasn't his friend and quickly apologized for shocking this stranger and the two parted ways. A few years later, the elder preacher was once again in London and a stranger came to him and said, "Reverend, I would like to answer the question you asked me four years ago; and the answer is, 'Yes, it is well with my soul.'" The man went on to explain that the question had haunted him day and night until he finally repented and gave his life to Jesus Christ.





As I pondered this story, I began to wonder if we shouldn't be asking this question more. Is it well with your soul? When was the last time we examined our souls? When was the last time we allowed God to turn the spotlight on our hearts and dissipate the darkness therein?



Laodicea was the seventh church Jesus addressed. It is troubling that He was on the outside knocking. Could this imply that He wasn't "in" the church of Laodicea? God will not be a part of lukewarmness. Another tragedy with Laodicea was that they didn't even know that they were spiritually blind, spiritually naked, and spiritually poor. They thought since they had secular affluence and worldly influence that everything was all right. BUT, they could not discern the condition of their own soul.


Filters are used to prevent foreign objects from getting inside a place they do not belong. Internet filters prevent the viewing of objectional material and web sites. When filters do their job, they keep our machines (and our minds) in good order.


So, here's the question: when was the last time you checked your filter? Has it become clogged to the point that it's not working properly? Do you need to change it?


If Jesus were to perform an inspection, what would He discover? Would He be pleased with your life? Does He have full control over your life? Is He Lord of all?


These are questions that need answers... now...


You cannot put this off. Procrastination will only prolong the problem. Examine your heart. Build an altar and recommit yourself to being a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. (see Romans 12:1-2).


Part of the problem is we're using the wrong filters. God's unchanging Word should be our only filter, but all too often we use public opinion, or worse, the television. Here's the problem with these other filters: Society calls sin an accident - God calls it an abomination! We must not allow society to dictate our decisions. Check the filter - make sure you're using the Word of God as your only filter.


The little boy was getting dressed and asked his mom, "Is this shirt dirty?" Although she was in another room and could not see the shirt, she replied, "Yes, son, it is. Please put on a clean one." The boy finished dressing and upon entering the room she was in, questioned her as to how she could have known it was dirty. The wise mother simply explained, "If it had been clean, you would have known and not asked me. Remember, son, if it's doubtful, it's dirty."


I wonder what would happen if we applied this mother's wisdom to our daily lives? Would we discover things that we need to abandon because they are doubtful. Are there games you're playing that you shouldn't be? Are there some magazines that need to be burned and never read again? Are there some web sites that have conjured thoughts that you shouldn't be thinking? Are there places you've visited that you shouldn't? Is it well with your soul?


Apply the filter of His Word today. A good place to start is Philippians 4:8. This is my filter. Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report - things of virtue and praiseworthy - this is my filter. Does the book, movie, magazine, website, event, etc. meet the criteria of this filter?


Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)
[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.


Is it well with your soul? Ask and honestly answer this question today. God has set before you blessing or curse - life or death. The choice is yours. Is it well with your soul?