The Amalgamation

This is an activity I ran with my Bible study group late 2007. Inspired by Luke 10:27, it was an opportunity to reflect on the year just gone, and the year ahead.

Luke 10:27

He answered: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

From this Bible text we identified 4 areas in which we demonstrate love for God:

1. heart
2. soul
3. strength
4. neighbour

We roughly translated this into the following aspects of life:

1. mind
2. spirit
3. body
4. others

Steps to do the activity:

• divide a page into two columns.
• at the top of the left column write the year just finished (e.g., “2007″)
• at the top of the right column write the year to come (e.g., “2008″)
• in each column write the 4 categories mind, spirit, body, others - leaving enough room between each to write a sentence or two.
• for the year just finished (e.g., 2007), write one thing you achieved in each category.

Mind - represents the things you have achieved in developing your mind this year. For example, did you do well in a particular subject at school or university? Did you undertake a short course? Did you learn a new skill, such as learning a musical instrument?

Spirit - represents your spiritual journey. For example, what have you achieved in your Christian walk? Are you closer to God now than you were earlier in the year? Have you experienced increased fruitfulness in your prayer life? Have you read the Bible more consistently? Have you been baptised this year?

Body - represents what you have done to take care of your physical body. The Bible has a lot to say about the human body. The way we use and treat our bodies can be a way to honour God. (See 1 Corinthians 6:20; Philippians 1:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Timothy 4:7-8). So, have you made an effort to eat better, or exercise more? Maybe you’ve made the transition to a healthy plant-based eating lifestyle. Or you bought a gym membership - and actually stuck with it!

Others - what have you done to share God’s love with others? Did you give away your possessions to the poor? Give to the homeless? Help out at a soup kitchen or drop in centre? Did you serve in a church ministry? Did you give hospitality to your friends and family? Did you give encouragement to others?

• For the year to come (e.g., 2008), write something for each of the four categories that you hope to achieve.

Some possibilities…

Mind - “I am going to try and read one novel every month.”

Spirit - “I am going to seek God first, rather than using Him as a last resort when life gets hard.”

Body - “I will assess my eating habits and looks for opportunities to improve.”

Others - “I am going to join my church’s team of ushers, and meet and greet people at the door.

*What are some ideas you have for transforming your life in these areas, and for demonstrating your love for God through these areas?