Caring for Our Temples: Honoring God with Our Bodies
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
When we hear the word temple, we often think of sacred spaces—places of worship set apart for communion with God. But Scripture reminds us that we, too, are temples. Our bodies are not just flesh and bone; they are living, breathing homes for the presence of the Holy Spirit.
What an incredible truth—and an incredible responsibility.
More Than Physical Health
Caring for our temples isn’t just about eating clean, exercising regularly, or getting enough sleep—though those things are important. It’s about living in a way that honors the One who created us and dwells within us. It's about recognizing that we are stewards, not owners, of these bodies. Our health—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—is a reflection of how we value the gift God has entrusted to us.
Fueling the Body with Purpose
God created our bodies with intention and detail. When we nourish ourselves with good food, move with purpose, and rest when needed, we are worshiping Him in the most practical of ways. Every healthy habit becomes an act of obedience. Every wise choice becomes a form of worship.
But let’s be honest—life gets busy, and self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. Yet Scripture gently calls us back: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). That means even the simplest daily choices carry eternal weight.
Protecting Our Minds and Hearts
Our temples are not only physical—they are emotional and spiritual as well. What we allow into our minds, what we meditate on, and who we allow to influence us all shape the atmosphere within us. Just like we wouldn’t tolerate garbage being thrown into a beautiful sanctuary, we shouldn’t tolerate toxic thoughts or destructive habits being dumped into our spirits.
Renewing our minds through Scripture, prayer, and godly community is part of temple maintenance. Guarding our hearts from bitterness, fear, and lies is a way of protecting the sacred space God calls home.
It's Not About Perfection
Caring for your temple isn’t about perfection or performance—it’s about alignment. Are we living in agreement with God’s Word? Are we treating ourselves as vessels of value? Are we inviting God into every part of our health journey?
You don’t need a gym membership to honor God with your body. You just need a heart that’s willing to grow, change, and surrender the small choices each day to His greater purpose.
Reflection Questions:
What’s one small way you can begin caring for your temple more intentionally this week—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?