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To the Mom Who Feels Like She’s Failing at the One Thing She Was Sure God Called Her To…

  Let’s be honest. Some days you feel like the circus clown… Only the clowns have more help and better costumes. Your “classroom” is the kitchen table. Your students? One’s crying, one’s hiding, one’s asking you a question that sounds like it came straight out of a college exam. Meanwhile, the baby’s screaming, the dog just threw up on the rug, and the toddler… well… let’s just say the peanut butter was NOT supposed to be art supplies. And you? You’re standing there with cold coffee, wondering how in the world you ended up in charge of someone’s entire education. "Maybe I’m in over my head." "Maybe I’m wrecking their future." "Maybe they’d be better off with a real teacher." You’ve seen those Instagram-perfect homeschool moms… Neat handwriting on the whiteboard, shelves arranged by color, kids smiling like they just won the lottery for Most Well-Behaved Family. You’ve tried to copy them. You’ve stayed up past midnight rearranging books, printing lesson ...
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136. Q. Is this likeness in the body or in the soul?

 


In our journey of understanding who we are and our relationship with God, we come across many profound questions. One such question in the Baltimore Catechism is:

Question 136: Is this likeness in the body or in the soul?

Answer: "This likeness is chiefly in the soul."

This response opens up a beautiful discussion about what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God. Let’s explore this concept together, unpacking what it means for our bodies and souls, and why understanding this likeness is so important for our lives.

1. What Does "Likeness" Mean?

When we talk about being made in the "likeness" of God, we are referring to the qualities that reflect God’s nature in us. This likeness primarily resides in our souls.

Understanding the Soul:

  • The Essence of Our Being: The soul is the invisible part of us that gives us life and identity. It is the core of who we are, our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. While our bodies may age and change, our souls remain constant in their essence.
  • Spiritual Connection: The soul connects us to God. It is through our souls that we can experience love, compassion, creativity, and understanding—qualities that reflect God's own nature.

2. Why Is Likeness Primarily in the Soul?

The Nature of God:

  • Spiritual vs. Physical: God is a spirit and does not possess a physical body like ours. Therefore, the likeness we share with God cannot be in our bodies, which are material and finite. Instead, it resides in our souls, which are spiritual and eternal.
  • Reflecting Divine Qualities: Our souls can think, choose, and love, mirroring God’s intellect and will. When we act with kindness, love, and justice, we reflect the attributes of God.

3. The Body vs. the Soul

While our likeness to God is chiefly in the soul, it's important to recognize the relationship between our bodies and souls.

The Role of the Body:

  • A Sacred Vessel: Our bodies are not separate from our souls; they are interconnected. Our bodies are the vessels through which our souls express themselves. What we do with our bodies matters because it can reflect the goodness of our souls.
  • Honoring Our Bodies: Taking care of our bodies through healthy habits and respect is a way of honoring the life God has given us. It shows gratitude for the gift of creation.

4. Living Out Our Likeness to God

Understanding that our likeness to God is chiefly in the soul calls us to live in ways that reflect this truth.

Nurturing the Soul:

  • Cultivating Virtue: By practicing virtues such as love, compassion, patience, and forgiveness, we allow our souls to shine with the likeness of God. This not only benefits us but also those around us, creating a ripple effect of goodness.
  • Spiritual Growth: Engaging in spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and reading sacred texts nurtures our souls. These activities help us grow closer to God and deepen our understanding of our purpose.

Expressing Through the Body:

  • Acts of Kindness: Our bodies are the means through which we perform acts of kindness and service. Whether helping a neighbor or volunteering in the community, these actions reflect the love in our souls.
  • Joyful Living: Enjoying life through music, art, and nature also expresses the beauty of our souls. God delights in our joy and creativity, which are gifts that come from our spiritual likeness to Him.

5. The Importance of Understanding Likeness

Recognizing that our likeness to God is chiefly in the soul has profound implications for our lives.

Dignity of Every Person:

  • Inherent Worth: Since every person is made in the image and likeness of God, every individual has inherent worth and dignity. This understanding fosters respect for ourselves and others, regardless of differences.
  • Unity in Diversity: Embracing the idea that everyone shares this divine likeness encourages us to celebrate diversity in humanity. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same family under God.

6. Encouragement for the Journey

Understanding that our likeness to God resides in our souls is not just an abstract concept; it is a call to action.

Inspiring Each Other:

  • Sharing Our Light: As we live out the likeness of God in our souls, we inspire others to do the same. Our kindness and compassion can encourage those around us to reflect God’s love in their lives.
  • Building Community: By recognizing the divine likeness in each person, we can build stronger, more loving communities where everyone feels valued and included.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Divine Likeness

In conclusion, the understanding that our likeness to God is chiefly in the soul invites us to embrace the fullness of our humanity. It calls us to nurture our souls and express our goodness through our actions in the world.

Let us commit to living out this divine likeness by cultivating our virtues, caring for our bodies, and treating others with respect and love. As we do so, we can create a world that reflects the beauty, compassion, and love of our Creator.

May we all strive to honor the divine likeness within us and in others, allowing it to guide our thoughts, actions, and interactions every day. God bless you as you embark on this beautiful journey of self-discovery and connection with the divine!

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