Kristi Ling Spencer, a life and happiness strategist once remarked: “Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honouring them.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 confirms: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Body, Soul and Spirit have been defined as three essential parts of man. The body could be considered as the outer shell of a person which collectively holds everything that is within it, together. The soul has been defined as the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being which is regarded as immortal. The soul encompasses the mental abilities of a living being. It will include the powers of reasoning, thought, memory and perception. The human spirit relates to the non-physical part of a person which receives the God-given breath of life. It may include a higher consciousness. It can hold the seat of emotions and character of an individual. It will also equate to the presence of the Holy Spirit abiding within us.
One of the primary purposes of the human body is to stockpile and provide energy. It both stores and releases heat to maintain the correct body temperature. The various organs within the bodily shell perform the necessary functions to maintain life.
The soul has often been said to provide its own purpose in life. It may be considered as a driving force. It will include intellect and self-consciousness. The soul provides the necessary link between the material body and the spiritual self and contains facets of both.
The human spirit has been defined as a component of human philosophy, psychology, art and knowledge. It equates to the spiritual or mental part of humanity. Harbhajan Singh Khalsa, an India-born American entrepreneur once remarked: “Your mind, emotions and body are instruments and the way you align and tune them determines how well you play life.”
The psyche, as it is collectively known, is regarded as the human mind, soul or spirit. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
A facial treatment can be beneficial, both to the skin and bodily health. It can help eradicate the distress and scars inflicted on the epidermis that has been perpetrated by the storms of life. It includes deep cleansing of the pores, together with skin exfoliation. It will feed, rejuvenate, stimulate and purify. It can aid beautification if received regularly and often makes a person feel good both within and out. It is said to assist in the deferment of the ageing process and may help considerably in the treatment of minor skin ailments.
An Esthetician is a person who is knowledgeable in the field of Aesthetics. They specialize in the beautification of the skin. Although they are not considered as medical healthcare advisors or professionals, they do provide cosmetic skin treatments. These may include facials, superficial chemical peels, body treatments and waxing.
Some would argue that skincare is not seen as a Christian trend, but reflects pride, selfishness and self-service. However, if we remember the actions of Jesus, He cured many of skin and bodily ailments, such as leprosy, blindness and the like. Luke 17:12-19 refers to one important example. We need to look after our emotional and physical health too. 1 Corinthians 6:19 states: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own."
Facial treatment, in analytical thinking, could also loosely be related to appercipient behaviour. Cognitive is defined as the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses. Stimulus is said to arouse activity and spur on incentive. The more we learn about the advantageous presence of God in our lives, the better we may feel. Just as a facial is essential to stimulate, restore and rejuvenate tired and damaged skin, so we also benefit greatly from the experience of Spiritual stimuli. It can provide the much-needed foundation stone that provides awareness of Christianity and a prospective fruitful relationship with God.
Purification is essential if we are to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a beneficial relationship with God. The more we seek purification, the closer we become to God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reminds us: “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
The punditry of others may affect us greatly. It may deter inspiration and cause bad emotions. It can result in depression and anxiety. It can harm and produce scars of hurtfulness within us. The so-called opinions of others may be vastly inaccurate and unsupported. Their verbal accusations or revelations may border on the act of defilement. Mark 7:21-23 states: For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
The Spirit of God dwells in each and every one of us. It is not limited to certain individuals, it applies to all. 1 Corinthians 3:16 confirms: "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" However, we have to be ready to receive and accept that Spirit.
If we refuse to accept the Spirit of God, then we are effectively refusing God’s love, forgiveness and guidance. If we seek an eternal life we must remain reluctant to shun forgiveness or forsake repentance. We have to allow that Spirit to perform the intended work of God. To lead and guide us in our everyday lives and ultimately receive the full benefit of Spiritual presence within us.
Watchman Nee, a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher once remarked: "Many saints cannot distinguish inspiration from emotion. Actually, these two can be defined readily. Emotion always enters from man's outside, whereas inspiration originates with the Holy Spirit in man's spirit. Hebrews 10:22 confirms: "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
Massage, which is usually included with a facial, can aid relaxation and provide phycological benefits. It can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which if allowed to run wild, will often produce lasting damage over a period of time. Massage releases oxytocin which may provide a feel-good factor in an anxious body or depressed state of mind. Feeling good in our minds and bodies may often result in a person feeling good in their heart.
Health is productive, not only to our bodies and minds, but also in our relationship with God. A healthy relationship with God could be considered even more beneficial and longer-lasting than a regular facial. Just as our skin needs to be regularly purified, so do our hearts. Psalm 51:10 reminds us: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Amen.
