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“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)
Have you ever had the opportunity to visit an exclusive, state-of-the-art health and wellness center that offers an extensive variety of services — from an ultramodern gym, personal trainers, dieticians, chiropractic care, infrared saunas, Himalayan salt rooms, cryotherapy — to an array of medical care ranging from cardiology and neurology to mental health — all on site? It is quite fascinating that these actually exist!
As I recently had the unique opportunity to take part in just a few of these services, I began to ponder the mission statement of the facility I visited: “...empower people to transform their health and feel their best in mind and body.” I began to ask myself, "Why?" Why do we strive to have optimal health and longevity? Why do we spend up to $34.8 billion on gym and club memberships annually? Why do I often remind my family, “Eat well, move well, sleep well, do well!”? What is the purpose of the “do well"? Is most of it in vain — to look good, feel good, perform better, or perhaps to delay the inevitable: death?
Rather, do we hope to increase our years here in these earthly bodies to glorify God — to serve well and to do what God has intended for us to do? We must strive to be at our best for His glory without stifling or limiting the work of the Holy Spirit within us — to accomplish all that God wants us to accomplish. Personally, there have been plenty of times I have failed in taking care of my body. However, I am reminded that I do not want to leave this earth prematurely and miss fulfilling God’s purpose for me — to have and bear witness by the Holy Spirit without limit.
Let us desire longevity ultimately to bring more people to God by shining our lights before them, so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). May we be granted more time, energy, and opportunities to love and serve others while proclaiming the Good News — yearning to bring more to the fold and expanding the kingdom while physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually strengthening the saved, to help save the lost. Does this require a membership to a fancy club? Although it might be nice, it is not necessary. Rather, may we feel at our best in mind and body through our Baptism, God’s Word, and sacraments, while also taking great care of our temples “as Christ cares for the church” (Ephesians 5:29), so that we are able to fulfill our “whys” and do it well for Him, because we are not our own!
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