IIn the hustle and bustle of our lives, it is easy to get lost in pursuing material possessions and distractions. During this time of year, we are completely inundated with advertisements about how any number of products will help us organize better, eat healthier, manage our finances, or help us get in shape. However, as we embark on this new year, we must reflect on life’s deeper meaning and purpose. Paul’s message to the Corinthian church explores the idea that true fulfillment comes from prioritizing worship, honoring our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and resisting sinful cravings.
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (ESV)
The constant barrage of distractions, from social media to news sites, often consumes our precious time. In the midst of this clutter, it is essential to recognize that our true purpose goes beyond accumulating material things. We are called to worship and praise God with every fiber of our being – heart, mind, strength, and soul. New year resolutions, though common, do not define our true essence; instead, our focus should be on cultivating a profound connection with the divine.
God designed our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, urging us to treat them with utmost respect and care. The freedom bestowed upon us by Jesus does not grant us license to indulge in whatever we desire. Rather, it calls for a conscientious effort to honor our bodies and glorify God through them. The narrative of Eve and Adam in the garden serves as a poignant reminder that the idea of all things being lawful has been misinterpreted throughout human history.
Freedom from sin, as granted by Jesus, does not imply a carte blanche to act without consequences. Accepting Christ entails understanding the repercussions of sin and making choices that align with our values and priorities. Indulging in immediate gratification may bring momentary pleasure, but the long-term consequences must be considered. Resolutions, therefore, should involve self-control and a steadfast commitment to resist cravings that do not contribute to our well-being, community, or the kingdom of God.
Sin leads to selfishness, disrupting both community and our dedication to God’s kingdom. Resolutions, as articulated by Paul, are a call to exercise self-control and resist cravings that undermine our communal bonds. The church, in particular, is entrusted with the responsibility of being more than an institution; it is a vessel through which God’s love, peace, and hope should be manifested. By building genuine relationships and setting aside sinful cravings, the church becomes an instrument of hope and peace in a world yearning for authenticity.
Living a fulfilling and purposeful life requires a conscious effort to prioritize worship, honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and resist sinful cravings. As we navigate the complexities of the new year, let us remember that true fulfillment is found in our connection with the divine and our commitment to reflecting God’s love, peace, and hope through our actions and relationships.
Horizon Community Church 