1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
If you know me, when you read this devotion you might ask yourself is this really Pastor Ken? Yes, it's me, or the new me. I have become the person I said I would never become, and I didn't do it willingly, I changed my mind out of necessity, but now I'm glad I took the step forward. What am I talking about? My health. I started taking it seriously after 57 years. I used to make fun of people who were health conscious, not anymore. One serious health issue and I fell in line like a new recruit at boot camp. I watch my fat intake, I look at the labels, make sure the sodium content does not exceed my daily limits, and I exercise 7 days a week. I even run on Sunday mornings before I preach.
I'm writing this because I feel great, better than I have in years, no joke. I have more energy, my mind is clearer, I actually want to do things now. I guess you could say I got my "want to" back. It's easier for me to study my Bible and I don't lose my breath when I'm preaching. The doctor said my health had been declining for years, which means I had been abusing my temple for years. If I do not take care of my body, then it is impossible for me to give God my best. My grandmother used to tell me one day you will wish you took better care of your body, well I'm there.
I didn't even realize how bad I felt until I started feeling good again. I know what you are saying, bodily exercise profits little but godliness is great gain, but I would say to you, why can't I do both, live for the Lord and take care of my body, which is the temple of the Holy Ghost? If I eat carelessly and I'm lazy, I am cheating my family, my employer, and as I said the Lord by giving them a reduced version of myself. It takes discipline, you have to form consistent habits that can be repeated day after day.
As I think about it, I can't remember a single person who didn't take of their body, that it didn't eventually catch up to them. Our bodies are sacred, the Lord paid a special price for each one of us and the command is to glorify God with our BODY and our spirit which belongs to the Lord. Are you giving God your best? Sow now and you will reap later. There is nothing godly or pleasing to the Lord when we abuse our temples, especially if you are like I was, haughty and ignorant. Pray about it.
Pastor Ken Smith
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