The Inner Architecture of the Soul

I recently heard a speaker use the phrase “the inner architecture of the soul”.  I was very intrigued by it.  I don’t know if he coined the phrase but I hope I can write about it without leading to any copyright violations! 

I looked up some of the web definitions of the word “architecture”.  Most involved some aspect of designing buildings.  There were also some references to the form or structure of computers.  But a few other definitions were of great interest to me, such as:

A unifying or coherent form or structure;

The complex or carefully designed structure of something;

The formation or construction resulting from or as if from a conscious act;

The method of designing and building something into a usable, pleasing form;

So in combining some of elements of the definitions in a way that resonates with me, I’m going to land on this definition of “architecture” as it relates to the soul:  “the unifying, complex, carefully designed and pleasing form as if from a conscious act.”  Working from that definition, how do we form or build this inner architecture of the soul?  First, we need the best architectural plan available!

I have some good news, we already have such a plan and it’s in the form of an architectural prototype.  This architectural prototype is the image of Christ:  “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (1 Cor 8:29).   We are designed to be built up into Christ’s image.  And once we have that in image in the forefront of our thinking, what do we do next?  Normally, we start with a foundation.

In my last post, I wrote about the need to build on the right foundation.  The right foundation is Christ Himself:  “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 3:11)  Assuming we have started off with the right foundation, how do we continue to build?  To start with, we need to select the best building materials possible to build with.

Here’s some more good news, we have access to the best building material ever.  This material is not only resilient and strong, but it is inexhaustible, invaluable and eternal.  This material is none other than grace:  “And now I entrust you to God and to the message of his grace. This message is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  (Acts 20:32)  Having selected the best material ever, how then does the work get done?  We need to select the best labor resources available.

And there’s even more good news, the work is done not with strong backs or the best of machinery and tools, it’s done when we are on our knees in prayer:  “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith, by praying in the Holy Spirit,” (Jude 1:20).  As we build this inner architecture of the soul by prayer, it doesn’t just stop there, the building process is actually designed to flow outward:

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”   (1 Pet 2:4-5).

“…encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.” 1 Thess 5:11.

“…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”  (Eph 4:12)

So, get those architectural plans to build the inner architecture of your soul.  Follow the architectural prototype of being built into the image of Christ.  Start with building on the right foundation, that of Christ.  Use the primary building material of grace.  Labor using prayer enabled by the Holy Spirit.  The process should overflow to build up one another in order to build up the church.

And keep Colossians 2:6-7 as the scaffolding for whole thing:  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”