Finding True Value

7. Since the soul is more noble than the body and God incomparably more noble than the world created by Him, he who values the body more than the soul and the world created by God more than the Creator Himself is simply a worshipper of idols.

St. Maximus the Confessor Four Hundred Centuries on Love: #7

The dichotomy of body and soul has been a topic of philosophical and spiritual debate for millennia. In this insightful saying, St. Maximus the Confessor touches upon an essential aspect of human nature—the inherent nobility of the soul in comparison to the body.

The first time I walked into Times Square I was overwhelmed by the lights, sounds, and volume of people who I encountered. Despite the fact that I am an extrovert by nature I found myself in a complete sensory overload. Nowadays I skip Times Square for less crowded streets and less sensory overload. In my pursuit to see New York, I find myself traversing quiet streets and tree lined streets with friendly people who seem to forget they do not live in one of the worlds largest and busiest cities.

At first glance, especially in Times Square, the world is a dazzling array of sights, sounds, and sensations. Its physical allure can be entrancing, often leading us to place undue value on the tangible. However, the ephemeral nature of the physical realm stands in stark contrast to the eternal essence of the soul.

By prioritizing the body and the world above the soul and the Divine, we inadvertently shift our worship from the eternal to the temporary. This misalignment not only detracts from our spiritual growth but, as St. Maximus suggests, borders on idolatry. For what are idols if not misplaced priorities?

As we journey through life, let us remember the enduring value of our souls. Let our focus remain on nurturing our spiritual selves, understanding that the body, while important, is but a vessel for the eternal spirit within.