It’s quite a responsibility caring for the soul.  God made us in His image; responsible, self-aware and with capacity to know Him.  If our bodies languish it may be the fault of our food or our water supply.  If our lungs turn to mush, it may be the fault of things in our environment that are out of our control.  However, if our souls dry up and harden, it is our own fault.  We have everything we need for our inner life to flourish.  J.C. Ryle wrote, “Man has a mighty ability to ruin his own soul.”  In John 5:40, Jesus said, “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”  In other words, our choices with regard to our inner life with God have a direct impact on our life.  Our culture is “body crazy.”  People work out, lift weights, run, tan and care for their exterior at times at great expense.  I think we often forget that we are also the keepers of our soul.  To neglect the body is not wise but to neglect the soul is the path to destruction.  I spent some time this week with a man who is afflicted with cancer.  As I left their home, I was thinking about how this man and his wife reminded me of the reality of Paul’s words, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Because they regularly care for their souls, they are conduits of living water in spite of their circumstances.  The trouble with soul care is, it is very easy to procrastinate.  The effects of neglect take a long time to show up.  There always seems to be something else more pressing, more demanding, more important or more fun.  Giving ourselves to the hard work of soul care is worth it though.  We will all face trials, difficulties and unexpected bumps in the road of life.  When the body gives out, what will we have left?  What have we become on the inside?  What have we done with the immense inner land that God has given us to “cultivate?”  Take heed to thy soul.