Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #13 — Sacred Living Temple

Picture: Counsel #13 — Sacred Living Temple CLi 100.1

Many people know our scripture for today, but don’t really understand its implications.^[91] As believers, we have a spiritual responsibility to care for and respect our bodies in much the same way we would a physical, holy temple. This includes guarding what we allow into our minds and hearts; recognizing that harmful choices defile us. CLi 100.2

Today, the belief that we have full autonomy over our bodies to do with them whatever we want, whenever we want, is a lie from the enemy. Watching pornography is not a harmless act; it destroys the body-temple, deteriorating our minds, and clouding our ability to make godly, moral decisions.^[92] Jesus didn’t die on the cross for us to continue making sinful choices that lead us farther away from Him. He died to save us from sin and its inevitable result, eternal death. Offering eternal life, God desires us to intentionally steward our bodies by glorifying Him while on earth, not involving ourselves with lustful activities such as pornography, which degrade both the soul and the sanctity of the body He paid such a high price to redeem. CLi 100.3

“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.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV CLi 100.4

“The sacred temple of the body must be kept pure and uncontaminated, that God's Holy Spirit may dwell therein.” Ellen White in Our Higher Calling, p. 262 CLi 100.5

Reflect: Are there ways that you could better glorify God with your body? CLi 100.6