In this season of your life, are you feeling whole? Or broken?
Something that is “whole” is complete, with all its interrelated parts working together as designed. God created each of us to be whole, so our life feels lacking when that is not the case. Opposites of “whole” are words such as: incomplete, impaired, and unhealthy. But, when we are not operating as a whole person, the way we feel is best described as “broken.”
Becoming a whole person involves utilizing our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength. These elements are meant to operate in an integrated and holistic manner, working together to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
But, when one of those areas is impaired, all we may feel is brokenness.
Our Heart – Emotional Well-Being
In the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0, the authors describe the importance of EQ as a key component of the whole person. It certainly seems that what we feel in our hearts really matters.
In the last article on “The Importance of Managing Our Emotions,” we saw how the concept of Emotional Well-Being goes beyond emotional intelligence. It takes into account how our lives are affected by negative circumstances, personal problems, and compulsive behavior.
In those times, we feel broken, but we can learn “How to Deal With Issues and Brokenness.”
Emotional intelligence is a flexible set of skills that can be acquired and improved with practice. (Drs. Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves)
Our Soul – Spiritual Wisdom
Our relationship with God is the most important thing in our life. As we develop our faith and Biblical understanding—a lifelong journey—we will grow in Spiritual Wisdom, and this should form the foundation of our character and worldview.
Our faith—our soul—is the one area which can most lead to a change in all parts of our life. In our quest to become whole, to deal with the brokenness we all face, God is the wild card that can change everything. You can read how this works in the article titled “What is Your Catalyst?”
And, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you can learn “How to Grow Closer to God.”
God wants the whole person and He will not rest till He gets us in entirety. No part of the man will do. (A.W. Tozer)
Our Mind – Personal Excellence
In EQ literature, cognitive intelligence (IQ)—our mind—is one of the components of the whole person. But, unlike emotional intelligence, IQ can’t be improved; over our lifetime, it is what it is.
Personal Excellence is a concept that recognizes the role of intelligence but adds the critical component of being intentional in how we live. By setting the right priorities and making good choices, we can develop the confidence and competence to better fulfill our God-given potential.
Each of us possesses the ability to make wise choices, and to learn “How to Live Intentionally.”
Thus every matter, if it is to be done well, calls for the attention of the whole person. (Martin Luther)
Our Strength – Living One Day at a Time
Life is a journey. Our role is to seek the right direction using God as our guide. Then, to make wise choices and take the next right step.
Sometimes, especially when dealing with brokenness, the best we can do is persevere and do the next right thing. By taking positive steps each day, we can make progress along our journey. We improve our lives and grow closer to God one step at a time, becoming more whole in the process.
And along the way, if we work at it, we can better understand “The Meaning of the Journey.”
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)
Being a whole person involves utilizing our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength. And working on each of these areas can help us better deal with the brokenness in our lives.
No matter how broken you feel, you can have hope for the future. Becoming a whole person is a journey, but it is one you can make progress on. One step at a time.
Question: Which area of your life feels most broken to you right now?
Action: Choose 1 step you can take to move toward wholeness in that area.
