Or do you not 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. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
Have you tried to diet and exercise in order to get in shape, but then stopped? You gave up and stated I cannot lose weight, eat healthy foods or get in shape.
With romance, have you been involved in relationships that you know do not honor God or His principles? Illicit affairs, casual sexual encounters, fornication, and other vices that you know, go against God’s word? And yet, you keep telling yourself you know it is wrong, but you cannot stop?
There are those who look to harm their bodies by ingesting drugs or watching pornography.
Then there are those who look to gossip and lie on others. Or make fun and put others down, for one reason or another.
All listed above (and others not listed), will take a toll on your mind, your emotions, and your body. Your body, which was purchased by the blood of Jesus, and is to be the temple of God.
Now, there will be those who say, I can’t lose weight, I have no willpower. I can’t say no to this illicit relationship. I’m not gossiping, I’m just talking to friends. Or I just can’t stop watching pornography and/or ingesting this substance.
However, have you stopped to think everyone (for the most part) has the ability to make a decision on what they will or will not do?
For instance, if I said I will give a million dollars to lose weight, to stop engaging in illicit behaviors, to stop gossiping/lying, or to stop ingesting drugs or pornography, would you stop? Would you truly seek out the help you needed, in order to stop? I guarantee, almost everyone would make up their mind to really try, in order to get the money. They would look to do it with no questions and no excuses.
So, if for a million dollars you would choose to stop, why not choose to stop because you are worth so much more? The verse today states our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are to be holy and set aside for God. You and I are worth far more than money. Our Savior Jesus Christ died for us, so that we may have the right to eternal life.
However, while we are alive and functioning on this Earth, God wants us to have abundant and healthy lives. Now, I am not saying everything is our choice. There are things that happen, that may not be based on our choices. But there are many things that are the direct consequences of our choices.
The next time you think I can’t do this or that, realize you are choosing to do what you want to do. I pray however, you will seek God and choose His way of thinking and His way of living. That you will make the choice to honor Him, and the beautiful body He has given to you.
So, in doing what you want to do, look to choose the Godly way of life, always.
Blessings,
Angélique