Temple
Words I associate with “temple” are sacred and worship.
The Bible likens our body to a temple.
My body is sacred. Your body is sacred.
1 Kings 5-8 details the building of God’s temple under the reign of Solomon, a wealthy king.
Solomon went all out. Best materials: stone structure, cedar beams, cypress wood floors, golden alters + tables + lamp stands, breathtaking artistry, bronze sculptures—he so much as brought in a professional, a man named Hiram who, the Bible says, has the “skill for making any work in bronze” (1 Kings 7:13-14 ESV)
That’s just a taste of the temple. Its beauty, splendor, and richness. God has always been thoughtful of His temple. He cares about how it’s crafted and what comprises it. After all, a home reflects the owner.
1 Corinthians 3:9 (MSG) says that “you are God’s house.” God’s house is beautiful, crafted in such a way to halt a breath. Even more, 1 Corinthians 3:16 (MSG) says, “You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you?”
God didn’t hold back when He made us. He didn’t make a mistake with our personalities, our bodies, or our minds. When He sees us, He knows that His temple is beautiful.
We are beautiful
“Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God”
The way we treat our body is reflective of our relationship with God. So many girls and women tear down their self-image because they think their body is flawed in comparison to others or societal preference. The truth is that we are a temple, and respecting that temple is a learned behavior: “learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body.”
Here are a few ways to learn:
Name two things that you’re thankful your body has the capability to do
Ask a friend to name two ways you’re beautiful
Research the functions of your physical body (could be about your reproductive organs or the importance of hormones)
Draw or take a picture of your body to build your confidence (doesn’t have to be perfect!)
Incorporate a new health habit (nourishment, cardio, gratitude, boundaries)
Speak godly confessions or positive affirmations over yourself
Pray for your body and ask God to show you how to live in dignity
Get some sleep or restorative rest (it most likely will improve your viewpoint of yourself)
Reflect on if there are any ways you’re abusing your body and seek out the root of that cause, so you can turn bodily offenses into honor and appreciation
Remind yourself you’re loved and accepted by Jesus who redeemed you from heartache
5 VERSE STUDY
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God’s temple, you can be sure of that. God’s temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 MSG
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.
Romans 12:1 AMP
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God.
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5 MSG