The Temple of the Holy Spirit
(Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest, December 5)
In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul delivers a truth that carries both privilege and responsibility: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” This profound statement reframes how we view our physical bodies—not as our own, but as sanctuaries where the Spirit of God dwells.
Stewardship of the Temple
Paul’s words invite us to consider how we govern our bodies. Are they under God’s rule, and do we draw on His grace to maintain lives that reflect His righteousness? The grace of God is not merely an abstract concept; it is the enabling power that makes righteous living possible. As Paul writes, “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (Galatians 2:21). To ignore God’s grace is to render it ineffective in our daily lives.
We are not called to achieve righteousness by our own strength. Rather, we are called to "work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). This doesn’t mean earning salvation, which is already secured by Christ’s perfect work on the cross. Instead, it means living out that salvation in tangible ways, demonstrating the life of Jesus through our actions and decisions.
A Holy Responsibility
As temples of the Holy Spirit, believers have the capacity—and the obligation—to keep their bodies under God’s control. This includes dominion over our imaginations, affections, and desires. Paul calls us to "offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). This is not a mystical ideal but a practical reality.
We often judge others more harshly than ourselves, excusing our own weaknesses while condemning others for struggles we do not share. Yet, as stewards of the temple, we are accountable for maintaining purity and honoring God in all areas of life, without comparing ourselves to others.
Living as His Temple
To live as the temple of the Holy Spirit means that every aspect of our lives—physical, emotional, and spiritual—should reflect the holiness of the One who dwells within us. It requires daily surrender, a continual drawing on God’s grace, and a willingness to live in accordance with His Word.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Lord, we thank You for the privilege of being Your temple, a dwelling place for Your Spirit. Thank You for the grace that enables us to live righteously, not by our own strength, but through the life of Jesus within us. May our lives honor You in every way, reflecting the reality that we are not our own, but Yours. Amen.