Glorify God

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or, do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."  (1Corinthians 6:18-19 NKJ)

Are you "enjoying" stressed-out, overworked days and weeks? Perhaps it is time for you to consider who you are. Now, don't run into the other room screaming, just hear me out. In addition to the practical counsel for dealing with sexual sin, Paul's principle will also applies in other areas of life too.

If you believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead . . . If you have repented of sins and confessed him as your Lord and Savior . . . then Scripture teaches that you are saved from eternal punishment and damnation. And your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Since the Holy Spirit is offended by a sinful lifestyle, it seems safe to say that he also doesn't care to live in a tired, worn-out, stressed-out, frustrated body. Now the key to remember is this: you are not your own, but were bought with a price. God paid a father's price. He gave his only son, so sin offends him, to say the least.

Remembering this principle should give us pause to consider how we treat ourselves. It is important to take time for self-rejuvenation. A day of rest isn't only for others. In fact, if you will find rest for your soul, you will be a better person, spouse, parent, friend and so forth.

Get off the normal track and get into some weird. Go sit in a quiet garden with a good book. Take a stroll through the zoo or a museum. Play in the dirt with your grandchildren. Fish, hunt, garden or whatever else relieves your stress and frustration.

We are created to glorify God in body and spirit! That principle is more about everyday lifestyle than about Sunday worship. And we can't truly glorify him, even on Sundays, if we are worn-out, stressed-out, and mentally beat-up. And, spiritual rejuvenation can't be achieved by listening to cds on the way to work or to the next harrowing activity or ministry event. It requires physical rest and mental focus on the one who is to be glorified.

We belong to God! And because we are his and he is ours, we are already better than we were, but God intends us to become better than we are. We access and encourage his transformation process when we physically rest and spiritually recuperate. Only then can the Holy Spirit truly use us to glorify God.

Dear Father, thank you for this body you created so that we may fully glorify our God. Empower us to truly take care of both body and spirit that we may fully glorify your name. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Glorify Christ today in your body and in your spirit,