“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”
(1 Corinthians 6:19)
Reflection:
Jesus had promised to His followers that He would send them the Holy Spirit. He would live with us and be in us. This is the same Spirit of God who descended upon Jesus at His baptism. He is known to us as God the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity.
As a Christian I am a son (child) of God, I am a friend of God, and the temple within which He lives. Paul’s use of the word temple is intentional. It is a place specifically built for and dedicated to God, and within which He is honoured, worshipped and glorified. Nothing foreign to this purpose and intention should be allowed to contaminate it – which is why Jesus was angered by what was taking place within the Jerusalem Temple and the reason for His cleansing it in such a dramatic way.
A friend will want to do what pleases the other which is why Jesus could say “you are my friends if you do what I command.” Not to do so would be a rejection of the relationship. So as temples chosen by God for His glory we should want to reflect His honour and glory both internally and externally – in body, mind and spirit. Not to do so would dishonour Him. When Jesus criticised the religious leaders of His day by calling them ‘white-washed tombs’ He was showing that their outward appearances were not supported by internal attitudes. There was death within them, not Life.
Response:
We have been chosen, called and confirmed to such privilege as the children, friends and temples of God. Humbly own the truth and live it.
Prayer:
Lord open my eyes to the truth of my salvation and my new identity in You. Help me please to honour You in my life and living. Amen.
———–—————-
The Soaring Eagle 