I Cor 3:16-17 “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

I Cor 6:19-20 “Or do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Sanctifying ourselves in order that we might have something of value to offer to God as our spiritual act of worship includes the separating of our bodies from the polluting influences of the world (James 1:27). Raised in this fallen world, we have become accustomed not only to thinking as the world does but to acting as the world acts. So many of the habits we develop (or in some unfortunate cases - addictions) all serve to cheapen the sacrifice we have to offer the Father. When we accepted Christ, we were made a new creature on the inside. As we learn to walk in the spirit, we turn from our former corrupting ways. Unfortunately, many believers fail to turn completely from their worldly ways and continue to desecrate the temple of God (which is what your born again, regenerated body became when the Holy Spirit took up residence). God wants us body, soul and spirit. Anything that we willfully choose which is unhealthy or harmful to us physically is an act of disobedience toward the Father. Many of our temples are in need of renovation. It is never too late to start. Make the life you bring to offer God truly the best you can make it.

Pray: “Heavenly Father, I’m afraid I have failed in my everyday moments to consider my body as not my own. I acknowledge that you have paid a price for me and I am grateful that you have sent your Holy Spirit to live within me. Help me to change from the habits I have been accustomed to and treat my body as something sacred…something set apart. Keep me ever mindful that as your temple, I am to treat it as something holy. In Jesus’ name I ask - Amen.”