Artwork by Marek Ruzyk
Thought for the Week: We’re Here to Grow Our Souls
I still have a lot left to learn. But one thing I know is this: We’re not here to simply live until we die. We’re here to grow our souls, to tend and nurture them. And whether we do, or whether we let them shrivel away to nothing—that is what will determine whether we really live.
“If you do not understand even life, how can you understand death?” ~Confucius
“The soul must not boast that it is more holy than the body, for only in that it has climbed down into the body and works through its limbs can the soul attain to its own perfection. The body, on the other hand, may not brag of supporting the soul, for when the soul leaves, the flesh falls into decay.” ~Martin Buber
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” ~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
“This being human is a guest house. Every morning is a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor…Welcome and entertain them all. Treat each guest honorably. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”
~Rumi
“And by your patient endurance you will gain your souls.”
~Luke 21:19
“For what will it profit you if you gain the whole world, but lose your soul?” ~Matthew 16:26
⇔
A moment to brag: The quote in the picture is by my nephew Jordan Christensen.
“We are not here to simply live until we die.” How true is that. I believe we are all here for a purpose, The utmost being to serve God during this time of grace he has granted us. Not as heavily burdened slaves, but as willing ambassadors of his love. Thanks for these words.
Amen, Kathy.
Insightful quote from your nephew, most nourishments are within…
This quote in particular resonates with me: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
Me too, Liz.
This explains a lot, doesn’t it!
Yes, it does, Joy.
These inciteful quotes encourage us to consider what really nourishes our souls. Your nephew’s quote is profound-fabulous actually. Thanks, Mitch. 🙂
My privilege, Nancy.
Occasionally in my prison Bible study, someone will ask “If God wants me to go to heaven, why doesn’t He just take me to heaven?” And I used to waste a lot of words trying to answer that, trying to sound smarter than I truly am. But now I just say, “Because God wants us to become like Jesus.” Of course, they will respond to that with more questions, but good questions. Thinking about God’s overall purpose for us can sometimes be confusing, but it opens the door to faith and invites us in. 🙂
I does indeed, Scott.
Lovely quote, Mitch!
Thanks, Ab.
Truth
Amen!!!
I really enjoy the quotations you find 👌
So glad to hear that, Ana.
Love allll the quotes, but I think Jordan should send his directly to Congress!
❣
I agree with your nephew.
Amen to every part of this post, it should be kept and referred back to when we get off course! And I’m glad you mentioned that was your nephew—I was about to look up who uttered such profound words!
🧡
Thank you for this inspirational soul food!
My privilege, Bob.
It’s not about growing mentally but spiritually
Yep.
Wow to your nephew, Mitch. I saw that first and my head was nodding away. Glad to read this, lately I’ve been ruminating too much on what this life is all about.
Ruminate on, Iba!
I am celebrating my faith and my birthday.
“. . . to grow our souls”
“Stand firm, and you will win life.”
Love that!
Happy New Year!
You too, Pauline❣
Thank you dear brother for sharing these thought-provoking quotes, most of which are new to me. And I love the quote from your nephew!
My privilege, LadyCee.
Yes, Mitch.
External beauty cannot quench internal thirst.
Very true, Rakesh.
Pingback: Dear God, We Need to Talk - Mitch TeemleyMitch Teemley
Love all the quotes. Jordan’s was especially poignant… the visual was perfect. Here’s to an ever more soulful year!
🧡
https://lmjayaraj.wordpress.com/2026/02/06/louis-jayarajs-books-provide-employment-to-millions-becomes-a-god-being-of-the-multitude/