Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
—1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
—Romans 12:1

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
—Proverbs 3:7-8

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
—Proverbs 4:20-22

~~~~~

Temple of the Spirit
By Jennifer Kane

This body—my body—
formed by hands unseen,
breathed into life, shaped with care,
a vessel not of shame, but of wonder.

My eyes drink in the gold of sunrise,
the dance of leaves, the shimmer of water—
a canvas painted fresh each morning,
gifts from the Maker’s hand.

My ears catch the laughter of friends,
the hush of wind through ancient pines,
the quiet whisper—be still, I am here—
a melody written for my soul.

My hands, grasping yet gentle,
craft, create, embrace,
lifting in work, in worship, in love—
every touch an echo of divine intent.

And taste—oh, taste!
Sweet berries, warm bread, the tang of salt on my lips,
the spice of life, the richness of joy—
every meal inspires a hymn of gratitude

~~~~~

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1, Proverbs 3:7-8, and Proverbs 4:20-22

We often think of worship as something we do with our voices in song or with our time in service, but Scripture calls us to worship God with our very bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, not our own, but bought with a price. This truth calls us to honor God in all that we do—including how we eat.

For some, eating is an afterthought, something done out of habit. For others, it can be a source of struggle, control, or even guilt. But God created our bodies with wisdom, giving us food as both nourishment and enjoyment. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This includes being mindful of what we consume, not in a rigid or legalistic way, but with gratitude and respect.

Proverbs 3:7-8 and Proverbs 4:20-22 remind us that true health comes from fearing the Lord and keeping His words in our hearts. When we listen to God’s wisdom, we learn to approach food with balance—neither indulging in excess nor denying the good gifts He provides.

For me, that means embracing both vegetables and cake, enjoying each in its time. I strive to listen to my body’s needs, knowing that God designed it to signal hunger, fullness, and even delight. I seek to eat in a way that nourishes and sustains, treating food not as an enemy or idol, but as a blessing.

Do you see your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit? How can we approach eating in a way that honors God? Do we listen to our bodies with wisdom, neither neglecting nor overindulging?

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of food and the wisdom to nourish my body well. Help me to see eating as an act of gratitude and worship, honoring the temple You have given me. May I listen to Your guidance, seek balance, and always remember that true health comes from walking in Your ways. I Jesus name I pray, amen.

March 6 2025