Is YOUR body a temple?

 In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it states:

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit

 who is in you...Therefore, honor God with your bodies"

 

 

 

Your body is a temple.

In my younger days I believe that was told to me in hopes of preventing poor choices regarding boys and tattoos. Also, the phrase was probably preached in hopes of giving youth one more reason to avoid drugs and alcohol. At my present age, I hear and see my peers use this as a reminder to stay fit and trim - or inspiration to eat healthy. 

Ok, so your body is a temple. But - the Bible also calls us to not be vain or focused on physical beauty. So, are those of us striving for a good physique HONORING God with our bodies, or are we going against what He teaches?

 

I've heard it both ways. So, like many things, this is something you have to decide for yourself.

 

Here is what I have learned (so far): 

 





In the couples Bible study we hold weekly, I am learning about my identity in Christ. I would say this is a pretty broad study, because...well...it is a pretty broad subject.  We are now on something like the sixth study, but in the first study there was a lesson I won't forget.

 

The basis of the lesson was that we, as Christians, should strive to be reflections of Christ. Through the eyes of this lesson, I look at the verse in Corinthians previously quoted. "Your bodies are temples"... 

 

I know temple has a specific definition, but for this purpose I'm going to broaden the definition to 'place of worship'. How do you feel when you go to a place of worship?

 

For me, it depends on my current situation. But, I would say some pretty common feelings are relief, peace, joy, comfort, sorrow, grief, love, forgiveness, acceptance, guided, restored, and hopeful.

 

What do you see when you are at a place of worship?

 

Obviously every place is different, but every place of worship I have been to has done their best with what they have. Not all have cushioned pews and stained glass windows, but I have yet to worship in a place with broken windows or trash on the floor. Temples are well-maintained.

 

As a Christian, I should reflect Christ. As a temple, I should reflect a temple. I should do the best with what I have. This means I need to use my knowledge to keep myself healthy. That being said, a temple is more than just walls and pews, as we are more than skin and bones.

 

I think we all know a few people who can be around you and be so peaceful, accepting and loving, while still being authentic and speaking the truth. When I can leave someone's presence and feel restored, encouraged, and loved...I know I have been to a 'temple'.  These people aren't "people pleasers", and they certainly don't just tell you what you want to hear... just like a "temple experience" they speak the truth, and tell you what you need to hear, with the ever-present underlying truth that you are loved, in all your sin.

 

So you see, a temple is the perfect combination of physical maintenance and emotional substance. The two compliment each other in a temple, and work together to show the love of Christ to anyone who comes.

 

Do you?