I think I'm pretty safe in saying that such a transcendent, marvellous fact of our personhood rarely interferes with the daily thoughts and feelings of most Christians.  However, the folks who come to our groups are only too aware of the imbalance that prevails both within and without, soul and body.  The evidence is obvious in their compounded pain; it's admittedly more what's terribly wrong than right about their lives. I comment in the chapter:

Countless illnesses beset humanity. All around us we see ample physical evidence of the 'powers...twisted and organized against God' as [Dallas] Willard puts it. Living with a chronic condition makes it especially difficult to appreciate the original goodness and wonder of being made in God's image.  ...Though the powers of sin sickness and death have taken humanity captive, God has provided an effective agent to break these dark powers and restore us body and soul. (ELS, pp.19,20) 

 This session is an invaluable start for our participants. By its finish, we end up having reviewed a list of the life-giving Scriptures which truly identify us. Then, with the help of labels that are handed out (on which our damaging conditions are noted), we actively place our destructive identifications on the cross - literally, with a cross present. While seemingly simple and minor, these verbal, visual, kinesthetic  exercises (found throughout ELS) have the real effect of reminding our senses (both physical and spiritual) that lies, proclamations , and erroneous perceptions can easily attach themselves to us, obscuring our true identities. There is ongoing, restorative work to be done and the Lord calls us to participate with him in doing it. Taking all things to the cross is our one, trustworthy remedy and infallible prescription for life.  My, how the enemy loathes it! My, how the Holy Trinity and the Heavenlies rejoice in it!   

                         Quote of the Month