We all need someone watching over our soul.
For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
– 1 Thessalonians 3.5
If you are a spiritual director, do not barter his soul; be not as the blind leading the blind; do not leave him in neglect.
– The Rule of Carthage, Irish, 7th century[1]
We hear this a lot from Paul, this agonizing over the spiritual wellbeing of the churches under his care. Paul ached for the people he loved to be growing in the Lord, overcoming the lusts of the flesh, and laboring to advance the rule of Christ in their lives and circles of influence. He appreciated pastors like Philemon who managed to “refresh” the souls of people in their care.
Paul understood that each of us needs someone watching over our souls with us, to provide insight, suggestions, accountability, encouragement, and support as we press on toward the high calling of the upward prize of God in Christ Jesus.
Who’s watching over your life like this?
Paul sought to be a soul friend to the churches in his care. His many letters and visits were the best way he could continue to look out for the spiritual interests of those people, but he also expected the elders and pastors of those churches to help each member grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
I don’t sense much of this kind of zeal and concern among Christians today.
The problem traces back, ultimately, to the lack of shepherding on the part of pastors, elders, and other church leaders. “Shepherding” defines that raft of disciplines Jesus practiced and taught, and which He intended pastors and elders to employ in watching over the souls of God’s people (Heb. 13.17). We can’t expect the people of God to care much for one another’s souls if their own souls are not being properly shepherded.
In spite of this, we can take steps to see to it that our souls are receiving helpful care and oversight, beginning with finding a soul friend.
A soul friend is someone who cares about your soul as much as his own. Your soul friend prays for you, seeks you out and wants to know how you’re doing. He takes a sincere interest in your growth in the Lord, and helps you think about ways of making progress in the faith. A soul friend prays with you, encourages you in your walk with and work for the Lord, and rejoices in your prayers and encouragement in return.
Most importantly, a soul friend keeps growing in the Lord himself, because he knows he’s of no spiritual good to anyone else if he’s not advancing in his daily walk. Husbands and wives should be soul friends with one another. Beyond that, each may want to seek out a soul friend of the same sex to provide further encouragement in their walk with the Lord.
Who cares about your soul? Whose soul has been entrusted to your prayerful oversight and concern? In a day when most pastors describe their churches as “shallow”, we need some seriously spiritual people to befriend the souls of others, so that the life of the Spirit can return to the churches with power.
If you don’t have a soul friend, or aren’t a soul friend to someone else, why not?
Psalm 62.1, 2 (Germany: “Jesus, They Blood and Righteousness”)
My soul in silence waits, O Lord – safely I stand within Your Word!
You are my Rock, my Stronghold true, and my Salvation, Lord, are You!
Lord, St. Brigid said that a person without a soul friend is like a person without a head; grant me such a friend, and to be such a friend to others. Adapted from Cogitosus, Life of Brigid
Download our free Soul Friends brochure (click here) and share a copy with a friend. Pray about becoming soul friends together.
Thanks to those of you whom God has moved and enabled to support our work with your gifts. It’s easy to give to The Fellowship of Ailbe, and all gifts are, of course, tax-deductible. You can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452.
T. M. Moore, Principal
tmmoore@ailbe.org
All Psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
