Today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 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 honour God with your body.”
Corinth was clearly a difficult city to maintain the standards of Christian values. Largely populated due in part to its commercial trade and prosperity, Corinth was known for indulgence and immorality. Many of the residents worshipped the goddess of love-Aphrodite. Admittedly, the 21st century finds us living in a social environment very similar to that of Corinth. With the rising moral decline, the prevailing culture among our youths is that of sensual obsession. In the business world, advertising strategies are suggestive of sexual adventures; in the fashion industry, the growing trend is the vogue in less fabric and more body exposure; the youths are encouraged by the society to practice safe sex rather than the age old moral code of abstinence.
However, the truth is that the children of God have different obligations if indeed we will enjoy God’s best. Our body is the habitation of the living God and we must live consciously of the fact that we are hosts to the Spirit of God. We must maintain God’s standard of holiness to live in the fullness of all He has promised, health inclusive. This is not saying we will fall sick if we sin, it is only saying we cannot maximally live out our full potential as Christians if we do not allow the Holy Ghost to thrive within us, if we stifle His gentle and holy presence with sin. Holiness is to our ultimate advantage. It is who we are. God is only calling us to live up to our identity. He longs to manifest His power through us. And the interesting thing is, His commandments are not burdensome. David said, your word I have hidden in my heart that I may not sin against you. so how do we live a holy life? By hiding the Word of God in our hearts. It is through the Word He cleanses us.
Sickness and the Holy Spirit cannot co-habit our bodies at the same time. We are the temple of the living God. Strive not to allow anything that defiles God’s temple, not sin, not sickness. Keep sin out, and the Holy Ghost will flourish, we will live in the fullness of God’s power. The grace of God will keep you. The Word of God will preserve you holy unto the Lord. You are a walking, living, breathing temple. Do not let any unwholesome word proceed from your mouth. Get rid of all bitterness, anger, malice and slander. Keep yourself unspotted from the world. You will not grieve the Spirit. You will walk in His power, in Jesus’ name.
Meditate and Memorize:
“Who Himself bare our sins in His own body on a tree, that we, being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
Prayer/ Confession:
Father I thank You for sanctifying me fit for Your habitation. Today, I ask for the grace to live a holy life and to walk fully pleasing unto You, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Sin has no dominion over me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
