Soul Ties

     2 Corinthians 6: 14-16

     Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. 

       Considering more recent articles covering deep needs, it may be a good time to discuss soul ties.

     There are various interpretations regarding the soul therefore I would like to define how I am using it here.  When I refer to the soul, I am referring to the emotional part of man, including the desires, longings, and affections that stem from that.  I identify an unhealthy soul tie as anything that pulls at our soul more than God.  A soul tie isn't necessarily limited to human relationships.

     We were created to be in deep, intimate union with Father God through Jesus.  As we are rightly related to God in Christ our union extends to others found in Him.  Because of our lack of union with Jesus, our souls long for our heart's home.  Indeed, our Lord speaks of this longing as a blessing.  One might even call it a prerequisite for we have the promise that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness we shall be filled. 

     To develop a deeply fulfilling relationship with another requires that one opens up on a more personal level, sharing a deeper, more intimate part of ourselves.  This is how deeper ties are nurtured and grow.  When our souls receive its nourishment from God first, then those He would connection us with, it is a wonderful, fulfilling, and enriching personal experience.  Yet I would like to discuss a different type of soul tie, an unhealthy soul tie.

     When we join with others (unbelievers and believers) at a deeper level apart from Christ, we are in danger of developing an unhealthy soul tie.  Revealing those deeper areas of ourselves is similar to getting naked with another...and in proper context can even be considered adulterous.  Throw in self-gratification as motivation and one has a situation ripe for taking advantage of others, or they taking advantage of us.  Such intimacy is reserved for our Lord first, then as He would join us to other members of his body.           

     Would we get intimate with just anyone in the natural?

     Once a soul tie is formed, we are bonded and drawn to the other.  It takes the Holy Spirit to swiftly sever that tie.

     Do know I'm not saying we should never share beyond the surface. With anyone there is a certain amount of revealing that may be necessary in moving beyond surface knowledge and relating to each other.  Relating is important in our roles as a royal priesthood, but we need to avoid uniting on that ground instead of Christ, otherwise we'll find our souls have an unhealthy attachment, along with engaging in an adulterous affair.  There is a difference between relating and bonding.  There is a difference between loving all and being intimately acquainted.  God loves everyone so much more than we can presently comprehend, but He reserves intimacy for his bride.  

     Some would take this to mean we shouldn't ever speak of ourselves, yet Revelations states, "They overcame by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony..." Revelations 12:11.

     So how much sharing is too much?

     I've said it before, I don't care to make rules of these things, the Holy Spirit is our trusted Leader who can reveal and lead us well through the ever-changing landscape.  Yet we know we are to be established on our firm foundation built on Jesus, the simplicity found in Him...When it comes to openly sharing parts of our lives, or anything else we do for that matter, we need to consider what is driving us.  Is it the love of God or self-centeredness?  We also need to prayerfully consider the effects we may have on others while staying sensitive to the Holy Spirit. 

     And remember, if we find that we have an unhealthy soul tie it doesn't necessarily mean the other is doing something wrong.  The issue may lie more with us so try not to make assumptions and start pointing fingers.  Whether on the giving or receiving end, ask yourself if you are drawn more to the individual(s) than the Lord.  Ask yourself if you are seeking them as your main source.

     Understanding how the Lord uses his body to help meet needs is important and of itself there is nothing wrong with communicating our needs or looking to meet others' needs, the holy scriptures encourage us to do so.  It is part of our love relationship as a body in Christ. Sometimes in my journey with other believers I get the impression that the focus on the Lord being our main source is there but they seem to be ignorant about how He uses his body.  Other times I sense just the opposite.  Both are an important part of our journey.  The problems arise when we make others our main source.  

     If we have been actively involved in unhealthy soul ties or may still be in one, the Lord is not condemning us.  Don't run from Him but run into his open arms of love.  He wants to be our Source, our Manna from Heaven and fountain of Living Waters to fill the deep recesses of our hearts and souls...to overflowing.  He desires for us to open up and share deeply with Him...all of it.  He knows what's there better than we do, but He waits for our invitation in so that we can share a meal together.  He wants to share deeply with us too.

    Zechariah 8:2

    This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”

Further Reading:  1 Corinthians