Articles

Your Body Belongs To God

By George Asamoah

In order to live as a VESSEL OF HONOR for the Lord, it is very important to note that your body does not belong to you, but to God who created it. Many people believe that they have the right to do whatever they want with their bodies. Although they think that this is freedom, they are really enslaved to their own desires.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 & 20 thus: 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

When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and fills us. Therefore, we no longer own our bodies. The Bible uses the words "bought at a price" in 1 Corinthians 6:20 to refer to slaves purchased at auction. Christ's death not only freed us from sin - it also obligates us to His SERVICE. If you live in a building owned by someone else, you try not to violate the building's rules. Similarly, because our bodies belong to God, we must not violate His standard for living.

How then can we disown our bodies so that God can have complete ownership of them for his noblest purposes? One action to take is to FLEE; better still, RUN AWAY!! Running away is sometimes considered cowardly, but wise people realize that removing themselves physically from temptation often can be the most courageous action to take. Apostle Paul encouraged the young man Timothy to flee anything that produced evil thoughts. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22 NIV).

Therefore, remove yourself physically from situations that stimulate your desire to sin. By doing this, you can serve the holy God in the beauty of holiness. Leviticus 19:2 says …Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. Remember, knowing when to run from evil desires is as important in spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight. Do not settle for less than God's highest and best. Allow God to use you as an instrument of His will.

source: Pentecost Herald, February 2004