Take a good, long look at yourself. What is your attitude about your body? How concerned are you with healthy eating and regular exercise? These are important questions that many believers never ask themselves. In fact, some may separate the spiritual life from the physical life altogether. However, this is not the view that the Lord intended.
God, who carefully crafted every one of us, places a high value on our bodies (Ps. 139:13). The human form represents the masterpiece of creation, and God entrusted our bodies to our care. Just as with any other resource—such as relationships or money—the Father expects wise stewardship from us.
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians provides a clear picture of followers of Christ mistreating their bodies. Many people in the church had been engaging in various unacceptable practices, including gluttony and sexual misconduct (1 Cor. 5:1; 1 Cor. 11:21). Because of their low view of the physical body, they incorrectly regarded this behavior as completely separate from their spiritual life. They believed they could do anything they wanted with their bodies and still be considered “good Christians.”
In verse 16 of chapter 3, Paul declares, “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 16:3). The apostle reminds us God’s Holy Spirit has come to live in the heart and life of every believer.
If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then He has taken up residence in your life. In effect, your body has become a walking testimony. What is your body saying about your relationship with the heavenly Father?
Bible in a Year: Psalms 76-78
Author by Dr. Charles Stanley
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