1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT, who is in you, whom you have received from GOD? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor GOD with your body.
[New International translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
One of the most extraordinary events in human history is the indwelling of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT within our bodies. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 6:19 that our bodies are human “churches” or “temples.” Each of us is a temple. These “temples” are of extraordinary value to GOD because JESUS sacrificed HIMSELF so that we might have life----life here on earth and everlasting spiritual life hereafter.
It is interesting that as human “temples” and “churches,” GOD sent the HOLY SPIRIT to “comfort” us. In fact, the HOLY SPIRIT is often referred to as “the COMFORTER.”
In John 14:15-17, JESUS said:
If you love ME, obey ME; and I will ask the FATHER and HE will give you another COMFORTER, and HE will never leave you. HE is the HOLY SPIRIT, the SPIRIT who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive HIM. But you do, for HE lives with you now and some day shall be in you. [Living Bible Translation]
In John 14:26-27, JESUS said:
But when the FATHER sends the COMFORTER instead of me---and by the COMFORTER I mean the HOLY SPIRIT---HE will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. I am leaving you with a gift---peace of mind and heart! [Living Bible Translation]
The HOLY SPIRIT is also called “helper” or “advocate.” The Greek word for “another helper,” “advocate,” or “comforter,” is “parakletos.” “Para” means “alongside of.” It is in the word “paramedic,” which means someone to comes alongside of doctors. As our “advocate,” the HOLY SPIRIT is much like a trusted family attorney who stands by our side in times of trouble.
The HOLY SPIRIT also has POWER! The POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT is the POWER of GOD. The POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT:
- Was in Stephen- The Bible says: “Stephen, the man so full of faith and the HOLY SPIRIT’s power, did spectacular miracles among the people.” (Act 6:8). This power radiated from Stephen, like an angel. (Acts 6:15) It allowed him to be fearless and bold, even in the midst of his own stoning. Asking the LORD JESUS to receive his spirit, Stephen, fell to his knees and in a loud voice cried out, “LORD, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59)
- Was in Peter- The Bible says that Peter after being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT on the day of Pentecost, preached a long sermon and those that believed Peter and were baptized were about 3,000. (Acts 2:41) Peter, along with John, spoke again and the number of believers increased to about 5,000 men. (Acts 4:4) Peter, who once denied CHRIST three times, but after being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT spoke boldly to a Council of all the Jewish leaders. (Acts 4:5)
- Was in Paul – Paul admits that he came in weakness, timidity, and trembling, but stated that it was the HOLY SPIRIT’s power, that made him effective in bringing GOD’s message. 1 Cor. 2:1-4.
- Is in each of GOD’s believers—The HOLY SPIRIT displaces GOD’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church or for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:7)
If you are battling fear, anxiety, stress, frustration, fatigue, or have had setbacks, you are unsettled by world events, seek the comfort and power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Remember GOD’s WORD.
Remember, you are not alone. The HOLY SPIRIT is in you.
You are a temple of GOD.
Physical Maintenance
Physical maintenance of our bodies is essential for good health. If we were to compare our bodies to a physical church, we could point out that the maintenance of a physical church is important. This would include cleaning the pews, mopping floors, setting the right temperature, making sure there are functioning toilets, removing trash or garbage, examining carpets for tripping hazards, dusting and sanitizing tables, chairs, and microphones.
Just like a car requires a certain amount of maintenance (e.g., oil changes, tire rotation, checking the brakes and tires, winterizing the car by putting in antifreeze, or checking the water and oil levels), our bodies require maintenance too.
PART I. [Next Week Part II: For Women]
For Men
According to WebMD, men should have a number of “maintenance” check-ups. These may include:
Daily:
- Dietary Checks- It is important to “fill up” on good food daily. The National Institute on Health suggests that men fill up on 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Fatty foods (e.g., junk food) that can clog the arteries, and excess sugar and salt should be avoided.
- Exercise check-ups- Ideally everyone should exercise every day. Following the CDC and the American College of Sports Medicine joint recommendations, engaging in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (for example, a brisk walk that increases your heart rate and breathing) on most days of the week.
- Daily Oral Hygiene check-ups – It is important that everyone “clean their grill.” Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Painful and expensive dental work may be avoided by just maintaining a daily dental program.
Monthly (at least):
- Testicular self-examination- feeling for any abnormal lumps. If you feel anything unusual, consult your physician immediately. Don’t delay!
- Skin self-examination – looking for changes in moles and see if there are changes in size, color, and shape. Use a mirror to examine your back.
Other:
- Dental Checkup – In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting a dentist every six months for cleaning and a dental examination.
- Blood Pressure Checkup – Everyone should know their blood pressure. Men over 50 or who have a family history of high blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at least every year.
- Colon Cancer Screening –Most colon cancer screening begins at the age of 50. On a yearly basis, a doctor may provide a special take-home test to determine if there is blood in the stool.
- Prostate Cancer Screening – Most doctors will start prostate cancer screening at the age of 50. For those who are at higher risk, such as being African American or having a family history, screening may start earlier. Speak to your personal physician about testing.
- A Routine Yearly Examination- Doctors generally suggest that a routine yearly examination is important to provide health and preventive screenings, to update medical history, and receive a thorough all-over examination. This may include a diabetes test, particularly if you have risk factors or are overweight.
- Cholesterol check- For men, age 20 and older, a cholesterol test every 5 years is sufficient. If your cholesterol is borderline or you have heart disease, you may require more frequent screening. Again, speak to your doctor about your risks and your results.
- Colonoscopy – At age 50 another routine cancer screening is a colonoscopy. Biopsies can be taken of polyps or they can be removed. This test may be repeated every 10 years thereafter, if normal.
- Tetanus booster – If you are the type of person who gets a lot of cuts and scrapes, you may speak to your doctor about whether a tetanus booster is recommended.
See, “Routine Maintenance for Men: A schedule for checkups and tests that will keep a man’s body in good running order.” By Martin F. Downs, www.webmd.com.
This is not a complete list. You may want to speak to your own doctor for a list of daily, monthly, or yearly check-ups more tailored to your individual needs. This list is informational and not an attempt to provide specific medical advice.
Spiritual Maintenance
Spiritual maintenance is also important. Stay in contact with others. Attend virtual services, attend Zoom prayer meetings, call friends, call parents, call adult children away from home, and other family members. Pray for the church---one for another. Pray and give to those in need--those without homes, those incarcerated, those who are in hospitals, receiving care, and giving care. Pray for those who are performing essential services. Pray for students. Pray for those in nursing homes and other places of care.
Pray and ask the HOLY SPIRIT how to help you make it through every day. Study your Bible at home and with others. Practicing “right-thinking” and “right attitude” are all important facets of spiritual maintenance, renewal, and repair. Submission, obedience, repentance, perseverance, and a willingness to be spiritually corrected, directed, and maintained by THE HOLY SPIRIT are essential to spiritual maintenance. Just ask the SPIRIT to help you and keep you.
BE COMFORTED and BE BLESSED!
