Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Synergy = The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Or the ‘whole is greater than the sum of its parts’. Seemingly this is a paradox. Paradox = a statement that is self-contradictory or logically untenable, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises.
So much of spiritual things seem to be paradoxical to the human mind. So much of it seems beyond our understanding, and of course it is… that is… without help. So much through the written scriptures you will find references to the Spirit giving an individual understanding and wisdom. For it is impossible to truly understand the spiritual without the Holy Spirit illuminating and enlightening our minds. The ‘way’ of the Spirit will often seem illogical and untenable to the individual who is wrestling with an issue. But His instruction will always set you on ‘His path’. Sometimes it is literally ‘blind faith’ that steps are taken in that realm.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Faith is the divinely implanted God-substance. It cannot be conjured or increased by human efforts. Only God can give or increase one’s faith. So, then what is our part? Trust. Trust is our action to His Word (Rhema) to us. Trust always acts on its belief. So, what do you actually believe? What do your actions testify about your beliefs? Do you trust God? Do you trust the Holy Spirit? Do you trust His personal instructions to you? How much?
Much of our issues stem from NOT trusting Him or His words to us. Issues arise when we refuse to listen to His ‘still small Voice’ within us. Or issues manifest when we continue to push Him aside in our decision making.
The spirit portion of our being is ‘renewed’ or ‘made alive’ when the Holy Spirit comes in to reside within us. Our spirit can now agree with His Spirit and can then guide our soul and body to line up with the Spirit’s directions and instructions. Here’s a question to ponder: Can someone truly have self-control without the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23) Or are we truly being moved like a leaf on the sea when we have no spiritual anchor attached to our Creator? Our soul is awash in the storm of spiritual forces. Did you know you have a ‘rock’ (an anchor) to which you can build your ‘house’ (life)? Is your life being guided by the instructions of the Holy Spirit?
He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. Luke 6:48
Are your decisions made from His advice to you? Or is your soul (emotions and feelings) telling you how to decide? Is your fleshly nature (bodily desires) ruling your actions? We are to be a properly aligned creation – spirit, soul, and body, and NOT in any other configuration, as any other configuration causes issues. When our soul rules we are awash in the waves of the invisible storm. When the bodily ‘wants’ rule us, we are at the base of our existence. We should be making our decisions from our spirit (who is listening to the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit advice) through our will and making our soul and body move in the direction we have decided to move.
What portion of you makes most of your decisions? Spirit, soul, or body? If you don’t know, ask Him.