By Cyndi
Ever had a song from your past rise up and get stuck in your head? There’s been a children’s song my son used to listen to by The Donut Man that’s become lodged between my ears lately: My Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit. Anyone remember this one?
Maybe it’s because it’s the season of Lent (or some other reason), but as I’ve been focusing more on eating healthy, fasting, and exercising, it’s caused me to pay closer attention to what actually is happening in my physical body. The song is based on this verse:
1 Cor. 6:19,20 — “… didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?”
This verse states that my body is a place where the Holy Spirit dwells. Think about this a moment. Or two. Imagine you have a valuable watch or diamond ring, where do you keep it? Do you put it in an old cardboard box and toss it in the garage? I wouldn’t think so. I have a precious set of pearls from China that were given to me by a dear friend years ago which I keep in a special box in the back of my top drawer out of the way so it won’t be knocked around or damaged. I guard that box and keep it safe because the contents are valuable to me.
How much more should we guard the presence of the Holy Spirit Who lives within us? I want to take care of and honor my body — not worship it and be consumed by my appearance — but be conscience of how healthy I am. I want to live a long fruitful life and be a testimony for the world to see the goodness of God.
Lately I’ve been tempted to eat food that I know isn’t good for me. Then that little song comes to mind — it’s the Word of God strengthening me. I know I have to keep my spirit “fed” well, but I also need to do the same with my physical body. It’s the vessel God which uses to express His love to others.
So if I have to have a song stuck in my head, this one, at least, is a good one. Yes, it’s childish and simple, but Matt.18:3 says we need to become like little children to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore, my dear reader, it’s really not that complicated. My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit — I should treat it well. How about you?