Under New Ownership

What if a manager was in charge of a company - but never followed the company owner's instructions? Consider this question in light of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."

This scripture tells us that our bodies belong to God, not to ourselves. After all, Jesus used His precious blood to pay for us! As Christians, our correct perspective is that we are managers of our bodies, not the owners. A Manager perspective should make a difference in how we treat ourselves. After all, managers must give account to the owner about how they manage their responsibilities, right? Let's look at this scenario in the natural again. What would you do if you were a company owner, but had a manager who worked against your goals? That manager would be acting in opposition to Amos 3:3:

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"

In the natural, a company owner would likely fire a manager who acted this way. However, the Lord in His mercy does not fire us! He gives us time to align ourselves with His word so that we can grow in our walk with Him - and His Kingdom can grow! The Lord knows our hearts. He knows when disobedience occurs because of ignorance. But He also knows when disobedience occurs from a heart hardened from rebellion! Let's pretend that our manager acted in ignorance because she did not know about the company's purpose. Even though the owner had provided the manager with instructions that outlined the company's aims, the manager never read it. The Lord has provided us with instructions too - the Bible. Do we take time to read it so that we can learn about our the Lord's purpose for our lives - and become better managers of our God-given resources? In fact, some say Bible stands for:

• Basic
• Instructions
• Before
• Leaving
• Earth

To ensure that we are on the same page with God, we need to read His word, ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, and apply what we learn. Because recognizing God's ownership of our body is so important, I plan to write the next few messages about what that means. Once we understand these truths, we can better align ourselves with the Lord. Now, let's take a look at the first purpose for our bodies. In Isaiah 56:7, the Lord says of the ancient temple:

Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer... (Isaiah 56:7)”

Since our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit, the Lord desires that they too be used as a house of prayer. Is your body a house of prayer? If not, then start establishing daily communication between you and the Lord through prayer. Your communication does not have to be formal - just talk to him as you go about your day as a child would talk to her beloved Father:

• If you feel anxious, seek Him.
• If you need wisdom, seek Him.
• If you need strength to do the right thing, seek Him.

That is what prayer is - you speak to God and listen as He speaks to you. Scripture says that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Could it be that you are overeating partially out of emotional emptiness? That can happen when you you are lacking that daily fullness of joy the Lord promises because your body is not used as a house of prayer. Today, resolve in your heart that you will start honoring God through recognizing His ownership of your body. That means taking time to talk with Him so that you can learn to discern His heart. In that way, you can take actions that please Him. I also recommend writing down how your life would change if you saw your body as a house of prayer. In the next message, I'll cover another way to align yourself with God's purpose for your body in recognition of His ownership. Stay tuned! Be blessed in Health, Healing, and Wholeness, -- Kimberly Taylor Take Back Your Temple Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple program P.S. When you realize your body doesn't belong to you and that you are the manager of it, then you have a new responsibility to ensure that you are the best manager possible. Joy, peace, and freedom are yours when you have confidence that you are maximizing the gifts God has given to you - every single day. Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple program.