Preserving our soul

Dear friend

The word "soul" is one of those words used in scripture that can have different meanings. Soul can mean:

- a premortal or postmortal spirit being (that is not in a physical body of some kind), or
- a spirit and body united in the mortal state (our life now), or
- an immortal resurrected person whose spirit and body are connected never to be separated.

The different meanings can be worth pondering over in certain scriptural contexts, such as from Doctrine and Covenants 101:35-38.

35 And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory.
36 Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.
37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
38 And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.

This revelation came in an environment of extreme persecution facing the Lord's people. They were suffering terribly for their faith. They were enduring threats, loss of possessions, assaults and even mortal danger. The Lord chose that moment to teach them a hard but overall comforting lesson. He said that losing your life for the Lord opens the door to His glory. And that divine door is a portal to the fullness of joy; whereas in mortality the ultimate joy is simply not available.

The Lord then explains a stark perspective. It is our soul that we must care for most particularly, not the body. The mortal manifestation of terrestrial life, our earthly body, is not nearly as important to preserve as is our soul. It is inevitable that the mortal body will die at some point, but our essential spirit is immortal. So our spirit/body "soul" should be our core concern. And I see this as meaning our prospective eternal soul.

Sometimes we just need to be patient through mortal trials; even though at the time that can be asking a lot. If we concern ourselves with always seeking the Lord’s face then our soul will find that most desirable joy, and rest from our trials, in a glorious eternal life.

So preserving life is important, but saving souls is crucial, especially our own.

Samuel.