At one point in history, the Israelite history made a pilgrimage to a temple in Jerusalem to be where God was present, but Paul lets the Christians in Corinth know that they are now the temple of God.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What does it mean that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit? How do we glorify God in our bodies? What kind of lifestyle or physical choices do we make in light of our body being the habitation of the Holy Spirit?
Our body is sacred space! We are even called to love God with all our strength/might.
I have been mulling this over in my mind and contemplating some personal changes for the future. Here are some things that come to mind that may impact my body glorifying God as His temple.
1. Lack of rest. We live in a fast paced, caffeine charged culture. Lack of sleep is a given at times. But lack of sleep impacts our mental acuity, emotional stability, and overall health. What if God gets glory when we are well rested?
2. Tanning Beds. In seeking to be stylish and "attractive" we expose ourselves to a leading cause of cancer. How does the vanity of ultraviolet exposure that puts us at significantly higher levels of risk for cancer glorify God?
3. Gluttony. Obesity is at epidemic levels in our society. We are more docile than we ever have been before. Obesity is a leading cause of a host of medical issues. Taking care of our temple is important!
4. Tattoos. Popular? Yes. But I wouldn't want you spray painting a pretty picture on my house. Might this distract from sanctity of the body?
5. Tobacco. Smoking, chewing, or dipping are all high factors for cancer and other health issues. There is simply no good thing that benefits the body from the use of tobacco. (Include vaping and marijuana under this one.)
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6. Alcohol. Many like to refer to supposed benefits of social drinking, but alcohol related deaths and health issues are significant issues in our society today. Inebriated individuals fail to bring glory to God in a hung over state. (Why I Don't Drink Alcohol) (Include other drugs that distort our ability to think soberly.)
7. Medicinal Dependance. I do not argue against medicine here. But it is worth nothing that there are some people who refuse to change their lifestyle and opt to use chemicals to offset their poor health choices. This does not bring glory to God.
8. Unnecessary bodily abuse. Workaholics who refuse to take a Sabbath rest may fall in this category. People who overwork their body would be here too. While sloth is definitely not pleasing to God, harming your body through excessive work is not glorifying either.
9. Living with stress. This world is full of stress, but what if we learned to process and deal with this stress instead of carry it and its ensuing health detriments? Stress harms God's temple long term.
10. Lack of exercise. It would be safe to say that couch potatoes are not bringing glory to God. I am not suggesting you need to be someone who is working out every day, has three gym memberships, and owns a treadmill. I am suggesting that we need to be intentional about being active with our body.
I will attempt to follow up in the future with full articles about each of the 10 ideas mentioned above. Which ones do you agree with or disagree with?
What might you add or subtract from the list above?
Check out these other articles:
I Want to be a Growing Christian
Position, Power, and Real Leadership
I agree with everything in this post! I would also add Eating Disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia as they are as detrimental to the body as gluttony. We live in a culture where people are caught up in the lie of how they should look and present themselves in order to be accepted. There are young people in our churches and colleges who are starving themselves in order to be accepted. I say this because I was Anorexic for years and it was my god. I praise Jesus I have been set free but I do have the scars and struggles. I must daily make Jesus my focus and walk in the Victory He gives. :) I am now 63 years old and it breaks my heart for those who are caught up in this lie. As the temple of God we must make sure we are eating well in order to feel and function well. It is a very serious area of bondage for many and one in which only Jesus can set one free. People need to hear the truth of scripture and holiness and I am so thankful that you are one who presents just that. I wish I would have known so much earlier in my life. God bless!
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