SEPARATING THE SPIRITUAL FROM THE PHYSICAL
THE HIDDEN MEANING
INTRODUCTION
In these next scriptures, we at VAL-TE’ believe is the truth of who we are in the eyes of God – not in the eyes of others, or even our own. Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Immanuel; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He so called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Immanuel, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:13-21 NKJV
Biblical Word
BOOK OF LIFE – God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. Romans 6: 6-11 NIV
Reference
Jeremiah 17: 9-10 – “Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed. I, the LORD, search the minds and test the hearts of people. I treat each of them according to the way they live, according to what they do.” GNT
Significance
Spiritual Identification (Knowing our true self comes from God, not temporary things, finding purpose as His child, and being led by the Holy Spirit) – We at VAL-TE’ also believe we are not the ever changing content of our minds; we are the unchanging space in which that content appears. It’s deep, unchangeable identity we carry as someone created in the image of God and restored through our relationship with the Son of God. Scripture shows this spiritual identity isn’t about accomplishments but about being loved children of God, finding value and meaning through the Son of God, leading to a life guided by the Spirit’s love, joy, and peace rather than temporary things that distract us. It’s not about never having temporary things, but about not letting them own us; we use them for good or as tools, keeping our ultimate focus on what truly lasts.
