our bodies: the temple of the holy spirit
From Doctors Mark and Michele Sherwood
Embracing Our Responsibility: Caring for the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) : “Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.”
When we reflect on the profound truth that Jesus willingly endured suffering, death, and resurrection for our sake, it is imperative to acknowledge not just the significance of His sacrifice, but also the life His resurrection offers us. Jesus did not rise from the grave so that he might inhabit a broken-down shack of a body; He invites us into a life of abundance, restoration, and divine power and purpose. As we approach our relationship with Him, we are called to honor that gift by caring for our bodies and souls—the very temples of the Holy Spirit.
Our bodies and spirits are not mere vessels; they are holy temples created by God, imbued with His presence. Just as God instructed the Israelites to construct a beautiful temple for Him in the Old Testament, where His glory could dwell (Exodus 25:8), we are also called to honor our physical and spiritual selves. This means not only how we treat our bodies but also how we nurture our spirits and minds.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). This scripture reminds us that our creation has purpose. To live out that purpose, we must recognize that our physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual vitality are crucial.
Caring for our temple is not just a personal responsibility; it is an act of worship. Our choices regarding nutrition, exercise, rest, and mental health reflect our respect for the body God has given us. Romans 12:1 (NIV) urges us: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Imagine what it means to offer our bodies as “living sacrifices.” This is an invitation to cultivate a lifestyle that honors God through our choices. When we nourish our bodies with healthy foods, engage in physical activity, and practice self-care, we are acknowledging the incredible gift of life that Christ has afforded us. These choices are acts of gratitude for the resurrection power that is at work within us.
Jesus’ resurrection signifies more than His victory over sin and death; it embodies our opportunity for transformation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). We are offered a fresh start, and with that comes the empowerment to rebuild our lives—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
However, transformation requires action. Caring for our temple doesn’t always mean drastic measures; it can start with simple, intentional changes. Reflect on your daily habits. Ask yourself: Are they honoring God? Are they fostering a temple that reflects the vibrancy of the Holy Spirit's presence?
Ultimately, our journey of caring for our temple is rooted in the understanding that we are living in a posture of abundance. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV). He desires for us to experience the fullness of life that He provides, one that flourishes through the nurturing of our physical and spiritual selves.
As we tend to our mental, physical, and emotional health, we make room for God to work within us. We become instruments for His purpose and witnesses to His transformative power in our lives.
In light of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, let us embrace our responsibility and opportunity to care for our temples. We are not meant to dwell in brokenness but to thrive and shine as reflections of His glory. May our commitment to honoring God with our bodies inspire others to seek His fullness in their own lives. Let us strive to be temples that house His presence, allowing His love and grace to flow through us into the world around us.
