A Journey into Wholeness in Christ

We Can Embark on that Journey even while Wounded from Spiritual Abuse

Last week I shared a metaphor of who we are and how we are made. That metaphor, that we are a Temple of the Holy Spirit made up of Spirit, Soul, and Body, has been profound for me. Today I want to write about our entire being, our essence, as though we were one thing – because we are – each of us – one being. Albeit, a complex unity, with all that comprises our Spirit, Soul, and Body interweaving their unique intricacies throughout our being, making us one thing. One human being.

At some point last year while reflecting on that, the Latin phrase “in esse” popped into my head. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, I looked it up. Sure enough, “in esse” means “in our essence, our whole being, in our one thing.”

But then my eyes caught sight of another Latin phrase that I hadn’t ever known before. That phrase was “in posse.” It’s the antonym of “in esse.” How very rich its definition! “In posse” means all the possibilities that may yet be. And of course, since I’m a Christian endeavoring to follow Jesus, “in posse” means to me all that He may yet call me to do, to be, to become. Potential. Possibilities. That idea fills me with expectant hope in this present moment and in my full essence. Expectant, radiant hope – another unique set of intricacies being interwoven – not unlike in a womb.

Scripture tells us that we, in our essence, are holy, because our Maker is holy. In the light of being created in his Essence, might we also say we are wholly? And wholly in His possibilities? The potential He has for us? I believe we can say that.

When I started this blog, “Launch Your Well Being,” I said that I would write about two main topics: spiritual abuse to people in churches and going on a journey toward wholeness in Christ (that’s where our healing lies). The above definitions are on the topic of that journey. Reflecting on it, praying to be somewhere along that road, brings me peace, joy, and hope.

But what about when we’re not at that point yet? When we’re still in the throes of deep wound(s), experiencing a faith unhinged, floundering in emotions we didn’t know we had, what made sense yesterday no longer makes sense at all. When it feels like we’ve been spiritually raped, talking about what I’ve written above may sound like nonsense. What about the ones who are still in spiritual shock, only to find that when they emerge out of the shock, that PTSD plagues them. (They might not know yet (if ever?) that it is PTSD? They slog along not knowing what to do with the deep wound that plagues them.

Nevertheless, it is my prayer that the metaphor that we are a Temple of the Holy Spirit, made up of Spirit, Soul, and Body may gently invite you to reflect on that metaphor for yourself. Gently ask the Lord, where in this Temple that I am, is my wound? Ask him to gaze on that wound and set you on a healing path toward your own wholeness in Him.

In esse + in posse = the beginning of hope. For me, holiness in Christ = our own wholeness in Christ. It’s a journey. Finding that road is a distinct possibility. Keep seeking your journey. Listen the best you know how, for what the Lord is saying and how he is guiding you. Jesus said, “Seek and you will find.”