Lent Reflection, Day 32, April 6

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Additional Reading: Romans 12:1-2

One of the most difficult things for me to remember is that Jesus is actually living inside of me. Maybe it is because this is something I’ve become accustomed to, or maybe it’s because I’m used to living in a house and not in a body. If you’ve been wondering if you’re the only one who struggles with this truth, I hope this confession will let you know that you are not alone. In thinking about this, I’ve been led to wonder how we as Christ followers would change our church body, the community around us, and ultimately the world if we were to really grasp this truth.

In Old Testament days coming in to God’s presence was reserved only for the highest of the high priests. This high priest was given the responsibility of performing a sacrifice once a year where God resided in the center of the temple in a place called the Holy of Holies. No one else could enter or they would be struck down. If we had been alive back then I’m fairly certain that we wouldn’t have been worthy to step into God’s presence and survive. We may have had, at best, a distant connection with God through his chosen spiritual leaders.

Because of Jesus, the situation is so different today. But remembering this part of our heritage, I believe it reminds us not to take God’s presence lightly. If God’s people had always had the honor of experiencing this intimate relationship with him, would we be able to understand the significance of this relationship? If God’s son Jesus Christ had not died for us to make this possible would we be able to grasp the passion that God has for intimacy with us?

I love buildings! They give us a place to meet. They keep us dry, warm, and cool. Sometimes they even provide a great atmosphere to worship God in, but we must remember that Jesus has left the building, and has set up residence in the hearts of his followers. We take him everywhere we go. He paid a great price through the cross to purchase our hearts! Because he did this out of his great love for us, we must offer ourselves back to him with every part of our life.

Ask God to help you remember to treat your body in a sacred way, and live a life that is mindful of his constant presence in you.