01/25/2017 LIVING TEMPLES
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. We are physical and spiritual temples.
When others look at us, they are looking at GOD’s temple. We represent HIM to the world.
Imagine someone coming into your church and your church “wasn’t in good shape.” Imagine someone coming in and “there was no energy,” (e.g., the lights were out or the sound system didn’t work or other critical parts (e.g., the waste management system) didn’t work. Imagine no one every watering the lawn, never using water to wash the floors, never using water to shampoo the church carpet because the water was turned off.
Imagine what the church would look like if nothing was maintained for just a week, and then those weeks turned into months and then those months into many years.
Like any temple, a certain amount of regular and ongoing maintenance is just necessary! So it is with our bodies.