1 Corinthians 6
The Body Is the Lord's
12. All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
19. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
We all know there is an undeniable relationship between our health and our ability to realize our full potential. We may labor to have a clean heart, a clear mind, and a balanced schedule, but without a healthy body we simply cannot do our best. And good health will be enhanced when we begin to think about our bodies the way God does.
In the sixth chapter of first Corinthians, Paul teaches that our bodies belong to the living God. (verses 19-20) As a result, I have to decide whether I will take care of my body or whether I will ignore or abuse it. None of us would walk into church and deliberately make a big mess, smearing red or black paint all over the place. We wouldn’t do that because we respect the church building as a place where God’s people worship. Then consider this: the human body which is indwelt by the Holy Spirit is far more important than any house of worship that ever existed.
Nevertheless, people often assume that neglecting or mistreating their body is their prerogative. Whether the issue is substance abuse, abortion, or unhealthy habits, many people will say, “This is my body. I can do with it whatever I want.” But as we read in Scripture, it is not your body. Although you can do what you please, you will pay the price. Sin has its consequences, and sin against the body can inflict a penalty that lasts for generations. Ask God to help you regard the body as He does so that you will care for it appropriately. |