More focus on sexual sin. Not a good sin…but no sin is good, but this one seems to be particularly bad. This passage gives a helpful explanation however.
If we realize that we belong to God, and that our bodies are God’s temple, then it makes sense that if that same body, joined with God, does something sinful, that is definitely NOT a good thing. It almost seems like it should be impossible, just as it was true that Jesus did not sin, then so the Holy Spirit, living in us should not sin. That’s it, the Holy Spirit in us cannot sin, it is us and our free will that causes sin, we can’t help ourselves. There is the rub, and you might call is conscience.
So why set apart sexual sin? We are connected to our bodies 24/7, and if we do some other sin, that same Holy Spirit is right there with us. So again, I ask, why is so much focus on sexual sin? I suppose it’s that “oneness” that happens when the flesh connects, and other sin isn’t so intimate and connecting. Our bodies belong to God, and we should honor him with how we use them and care for them.
So are you using your body to glorify God? In what ways may you be falling short in preserving it and keeping it holy? After all, the body matters, and to misuse it is like holding the creator in contempt. I don’t think I’ve ever thought of it quite so intensely, but isn’t that true?
Have you ever made something you found special, like a piece of art or clothing, only to have it trampled on, spilled on, torn apart, etc.? How did you feel when your work went to waste? I remember cleaning the house every Saturday morning and everything would be just right, everything in its own place, no dust, no grime, and then the kids would get up from their naps. Chaos again. I wondered more times than I can count why I had even gone to the trouble of cleaning! What if God felt that way about us when we didn’t take care of ourselves?
Let’s pray. Holy Father thank you for the body you’ve given me. While I haven’t always taken good care and been mindful of you living in me, forgive me. Help me to remember WHO I belong to and cherish that truth. Guide me in my relationships so that I can honor you and help others to do the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
