Two-minute read.
In the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelt in the Temple in Jerusalem. But now, through faith in Christ, the Lord no longer dwells in a building alone; He lives within every believer through the Holy Spirit, our bodies, His temple. Sacred, set apart for God’s purposes, and a place where His presence resides, our bodies belong to the Lord, meant to reflect His holiness.
Paul, writing to the Corinthians, understood many of them had pagan backgrounds, known for their wealth, trade, and widespread sexual immorality. They often incorporated sexual sin into their religious practices. Hence, the apostle addressed the misuse of the body, reminding them that following Jesus changes every part of life, including how they treat their physical bodies.
“You are not your own,” challenges the world’s message of self-ownership. Our lives ultimately belong to God; therefore, our choices about our bodies, relationships, habits, and lifestyles should follow the Lord’s will rather than our personal desires alone. Freedom in Christ means choosing to do the right thing.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve developed acid reflux. As I prayed for guidance from the Lord, He led me to eliminate certain things from my diet: peppers, chocolate, onions, carbonated drinks, and wine. After much rebellion and bickering with the Lord, I eliminated them and, in doing so, got rid of the acid reflux, taking care of God’s temple.
Jesus paid for our lives on the cross, just as someone might purchase a slave’s freedom in the ancient world. With His blood, Christ redeemed us from sin and death. Because the Savior gave everything for us, we should respond with gratitude and obedience rather than obligation. Honoring the Lord with our bodies includes pursuing sexual purity, caring for our physical health wisely, and using our strength and abilities to serve others. We avoid habits that enslave or damage us, living in a way that reflects Christ in both public and private.
We shouldn’t worship our bodies, nor neglect them. But rather cherish the gift God gave us. Rooting our identity in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within us. Jesus paid the highest price to redeem us, giving His life for ours. Taking care of our bodies for the Savior becomes an act of worship when we keep the Son in our eyes.
Journal Questions:
- How well are you caring for your body?
- What healthy habit could you improve?
- How does physical health affect stress?
Stressbuster:
Drink extra water throughout the day.
