1 Cor. 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are GOD’s temple and that GOD’s SPIRIT lives in you? If anyone destroys GOD’s temple, GOD will destroy him; for GOD temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
[New International translation]
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
Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 3:16 that our bodies are human “churches” or “temples.” Because it is so important that we “get it,” Paul repeats this important point again in 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
Yes, each one of us is not only a temple but GOD’s temple. JESUS sacrificed HIMSELF for each of these temples so that we might have life, so these temples should glorify GOD.
The Living Bible translations of 1 Cor. 6:20 states:
For GOD has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to GOD….
Emphasis added. “Every Part” of the body, should be maintained physically and spiritually.
PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE For Women – 20s and 30s
WebMD’s recommendations for women often depend on the age of the woman. For women in their early 20s and 30s, Gina Shaw in “Simple Health Steps for Women in Their 20s and 30s suggests some “jumpstart” procedures for maintaining good health, including:
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- Start a Heart-Healthy Diet-and-Exercise Plan: This means skipping the fried and fatty foods “in the early years” and aiming for getting at least half an hour of exercise every day. For women who plan to have children, Shaw also recommends women take a multivitamin that provides plenty of folic acids (between 400 and 800 micrograms a day).
- Work on Your Relationship With Your Doctor: This means finding a doctor you trust. Bring your questions to your appointments. Make a list. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about your concerns.
- Know Your Family Health History. Find out if any sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, or other blood relatives had breast cancer or heart disease before age 50. Find out if diabetes runs in the family. These questions may be important to ask your family to help your doctor determine your health risks.
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Learn about Key Screening Tests:
- Pap Test for Cervical Cancer – every 3 years starting at age 21. If you’re 30-65, keep getting a Pap test every 3 years, or an HPV test every 5 years. Many cervical cancers are caused by infection with HPV (human papillomavirus)
- HIV Test – Take an HIV test at least once, more often if you are at risk. There are also STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease Tests) for trichomoniasis, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
- Blood Pressure – Check your blood pressure every 2 years if it's normal (lower than 120/80). If it is high, or you are at risk for high blood pressure, you will need more frequent checks and diabetes screening tests.
- Cholesterol Tests – Ask your doctor how often you may need this test done.
See, “Simple Health Steps for Women in Their 20s and 30s by Gina Shaw, medically reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on July 30, 2020; https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/simple-health-steps-women-20s-30s
Women Over 40
WebMD recommends the following health checklist for women over 40:
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- Mammogram – Checks for Breast Cancer – starting at age 40 (or earlier with certain risk factors) and every 1 to 2 years depending on risk
- Doctor’s Breast Exam – Check for Breast Cancer – done annually; every three years for women 20-40. May detect breast cancers missed by mammography
- Pap Smear – Check for Cervical Cancer- starting at age 21 and every three years. Some doctors may advise some women older than 65 to stop testing if they are at low risk.
- HPV DNA Test and Pelvic Exam – HPV is a virus known to cause cervical cancer. Starting at age 30. PAP every three years and HPV every five years until age 65, or as recommended by your doctor.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening – This screening schedule may be different depending on your personal and family history
- Heart Disease Screenings – Including:
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- Blood Cholesterol Tests- starting at age 20 and every 5 years or at your doctor’s discretion.
- Blood Pressure Check – starting at age 18 and at least every other year, more often if your reading is above normal.
- Fasting Plasma Glucose – measuring blood sugar, starting at age 45 and every three years if in the normal range or at your doctor’s discretion.
- Bone Mineral Density Test - Used as an indicator of bone strength and osteoporosis risk. Done at your doctor’s discretion.
- Vaccines/Immunizations – May include shorts or procedures for Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, pneumonia, Influenza, Shingrix (protection against shingles). Depending on your age.
See, “Health Checklist for Women Over 40,” reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on August 27, 2021, https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/health-checklist-for-women-over-40
For Women 60s and Up
Gina Shaw has some simple health steps for women in their 60s and up.
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- Use It or Lose It – Keep your thinking ability in good shape as you get older. Make sure your brain stays busy. For example, do crossword puzzles, socialize, try new hobbies and start new adventures. Learn a new language. (Or, start learning to play an instrument, take a community college class, a class at your church institute, if your church offers instruction or an online class.)
- Strength Training: It’s Never Too Late to Start! Because people lose bone mass and flexibility with age, regular strength training and exercise can help keep you healthy. It will keep your muscles from shrinking and help you avoid falls and other accidents.
- There’s Still Time to Quit Smoking – If you are a smoker or have other “unhealthy habits,” remember it is never too late to quit! Studies show that people who stop smoking at 65 can still cut their heart disease and lung cancer risks.
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See, “Simple Health Steps for Women in Their 60s and Up,” by Gina Shaw, Medically Reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar, MD on August 22, 2020, https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/simple-health-steps-women-60s-up
This is not a complete list of recommendations or suggestions. Consult your personal physician for the best recommendations and suggestions for your health maintenance.
Remember, every part of your body is important!
SPIRITUAL MAINTENANCE
Again, Spiritual Maintenance is especially important---even more important than physical maintenance.
Remember, GOD needs to be able to use you! In 1Cor. 3 and 1Cor 6, we are called “temples.” Dr. Joel Gregory referred to each living temple believer as a “Living Stone.” See, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A865G9q4tAY.
In Acts 9:15, GOD called Paul “My Chosen Vessel,” (King James translation); “My Chosen Instrument.” (Living Bible and New International translations). Instruments, like vessels and buildings, must be properly cared for and maintained. Paul was guided and aided by THE HOLY SPIRIT. See Act. 9:17.
As you evaluate your physical and spiritual maintenance, ask GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT to help and guide you.
Ask GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT to help you maintain every part, physically and spiritually.
Be GOD's. Let GOD use you! And, BE BLESSED!
