1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT within you, which you have from GOD? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify GOD in your body.
[Revised Standard translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The celebration of the birth of JESUS is not a mere birthday celebration. Christmas is not a big birthday “party” where people decorate their homes, exchange gifts, eat at lot of food (especially sweets and deserts), have a good time and then wait twelve months until the next birthday celebration rolls around again. Christmas is not the equivalent of a global birthday bash on a grander scale. That is not the “meaning of Christmas.”
Rather, the birth of JESUS marks an extraordinary event in human history. It is a DIVINE event. It is a time when we marvel that GOD---THE OMNIPOTENT (all powerful), THE OMNISCIENT (all knowing), THE OMNIPRESENT (everywhere at the same time), THE OMNIBENEVOLENT (all loving and all good), became flesh and blood, in the form of a child, JESUS CHRIST. GOD lived and dwelled among us, sinful humanity, so that GOD could show us “WHO GOD IS.” GOD became flesh in the natural world and became “LIVING WORD.” GOD came to save us, to pay a horrible price for our sinful deeds, by dying on a cross. GOD came and epitomized “LOVE,” “SACRIFICE,” “TRUTH” “TRUE FRIEND” and “RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.”
Another extraordinary event 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 paid a price, sacrificing HIMSELF, so that we might have life----a more abundant life, here on earth, and everlasting spiritual life hereafter. But like any physical temple, a certain amount of regular and ongoing maintenance is necessary!
PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE
Physical maintenance of our bodies is essential for health. If we were to compare our bodies to a physical church, we could point out that 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 and chairs. 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 requires physical maintenance too.
Part I: For Men
According to WebMD, men should have a number of check-ups and screening. Matthew Hoffman, MD, in “Routine Health Maintenance for Men,” has some of the following recommendation for men:
Know Your Cholesterol Levels – Since cardiovascular disease, mostly heart attacks and strokes, are the No. 1 killer of men today, it’s in every man’s best interest to know his cholesterol levels, since high cholesterol is a major preventable risk factor. The American Heart Association recommends starting cholesterol screening at age 20, and then every 4 to 6 years. If you have heart disease already or are at high risk for getting it, you may need to get your cholesterol checked more often.
- Check Your Blood Pressure – High blood pressure causes or makes worse a long list of health problems, including heart attack, strokes, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease and more. You can lower your numbers with meds and by eating more healthy foods and exercising. You can call your primary care doctor or just go to your neighborhood fire station or pharmacy. You should get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.
- Refresh Your Refrigerator – Both the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society continually advise, “eat your vegetables (and fruits, too).” So, the more plant-based foods you eat, the less saturated fat and total calories you take in.
- Step on the Scale ---Three out of four Americans are overweight and obese. At every office visit, your doctor will take note your weight body mass index, based on your height and weight. Obesity is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many cancers. Long term weight loss usually requires a permanent lifestyle change to be sustained.
- Get Your Blood Sugar Checked – This test finds the amount of sugar in your blood after not eating for 8 hours. It’s called a fasting blood sugar. Men should get this test at least every 3 years.
- Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer—A colonoscopy looks at the inside of your large intestine, where cancer forms. Other screenings for cancer can be done on stool that checks for blood or other changes. Unfortunately, 50% to 75% of people do not get a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021, about 104,270 new cancer cases will be diagnosed and 45,230 deaths will occur from colorectal cancer.
Find out Whether You Have Hepatitis C – The CDC recommends that everyone 18 years old and older should get a blood test to check for hep C virus. It can cause a liver infection and, if left untreated, liver cancer. A person can have hep C for years and not know it. Generally, you only need to do this once, unless you believe you are exposed to the disease. - Learn about Prostate Cancer Screening –The American Cancer Society says men, starting at age 50, should speak to their doctors about the benefits, risks and limitations of prostate cancer screenings.
- Get To Know Your Doctor – Generally men are less likely to go to a doctor than women. Routine doctor appointments may save your life down the road….
See, Matthew Hoffman, MD, “Routine Health Maintenance for Men,” Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on November 12, 2021, https://www.webmd.com/men/routine-health-maintenance-men
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.
Next week, “Maintenance – Part II for Women.
SPIRITUAL MAINTENANCE AND THE PERFECT GIFT
Spiritual Maintenance is especially important---even more important than physical maintenance, since “a right spirit” is important in performing any task.
In Psalms 51:10 David prayed:
Create in me a clean heart. O GOD, and put a new and RIGHT SPIRIT within me.
Margaret Pleasant Douroux, a Black American Gospel songwriter, teacher and author, who wrote more than 100 Gospel songs, wrote “Give Me a Clean Heart.” This may have been one of her first compositions. The song suggests that a “Clean Heart” is a gift from GOD.
The lyrics to the songs say:
Give me a clean heart so I may serve thee. Lord, fix my heart so that I may be used by thee, For I’m not worthy of all your blessings. Give me a clean heart, and I’ll follow thee. I’m not asking for the riches of this land, And I’m not asking for men in high places to know my name. Please—give me, Lord, a clean heart that I may follow thee….
See, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqUuV8Uh5ZI
So, if you want to know what gift to ask for Christmas, ask GOD for “a clean heart!
Have A Joyful Christmas and BE BLESSED!
