The Holy Spirit’s Dwelling Place

Jews in the first century had a belief that God dwelled on Earth in the Holy of Holies at the Jerusalem temple. They were very protective of this area since they thought God had asked them to defend His dwelling place. In an argument with some Freedmen Jews in Jerusalem and before his death Stephen pointed out that the places to worship God had moved around to different places in the past and now, that “God dwells in heaven, not in temples made with hands.” (Acts 7:48-50). No, God’s presence was not limited to the one temple area. Speaking by the Holy Spirit, Stephen spoke of the ultimate dwelling place of God, within humans. If defaming the earthly temple was an action worthy of death, what of defaming the present dwelling of the Holy Spirit, our bodies? Not so long ago, a group of people set fire to a church and it burned to the ground. His was appalling. Perhaps they were disappointed or angry with God, but God does not live in church buildings. What do we think when some attack the present dwelling of God the Holy Spirit, our bodies? Many Christians don’t have the same shock when it comes to harming the present temple of the Holy Spirit -their own bodies. Some distract efficient bodily function with drugs, food, or drink. Another group burden the body with stress and exhaustion. Many people justify these abuses as their right to treat their body as they want. But that is especially not true for Christians. The Corinthians had followed idols which allowed them to act without any control. Now, when they accepted Jesus and received the indwelling Holy Spirit, they needed to understand that what they did to their body was important to God for personal health and their influence on others. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20 (NASB). While we exist in this world, we can do nothing apart from our physical body. We will only have one in this life, so we should do our best to keep it in good condition. Believers should also recognize their responsibility to treat the earthly body like the sacred and special dwelling place that it is. People cannot reach their full potential while neglecting the proper care of their bodies. Education, talents, abilities or gifts are of little use if one does not have the health to complete needed tasks well. As we move along our unique independent spiritual journey, we need to maintain our health so that we can be the best servants of the Holy Spirit possible.