Temple

    Our body. It can go through so much in a lifetime.... Birth. Death. Love. Abuse. Hunger. Thirst. Lust. Marriage. Heartbreaks. Loss. Withdraws. Depression. Hate. Religious battles. Sickness. Health. Memories. Family...and so much more.

    These are very few of the feelings and things that we all encounter in one lifetime. Sometimes we make it.... and other times we don't. The journeys we go through are not meant to break us but to save us. When we go through these battle fields we often drag ourselves out and we tell ourselves WE barely made and that WE are just that much stronger. But have you ever noticed that we never come out of a battle the same? I think we often focus on the matter that the hard times are what can change us and almost force us to move on. The good times are what work counter actively with that as well. No matter what we go through....it all leaves its mark on us.

    If we imagine our bodies and lives as empty canvases it makes so much sense. When we are born we have that empty canvas and what we go through and feel is what makes that first paint mark on our surface. It is just about impossible to get off or get rid of because our surface is something that molds to it's surroundings whether it is good or not. We then base our life and feelings off of what we go through. We let our earthly lives dictate. I often forget that this body and mind is not my own. Of course I know that I am here on a limit ticket and I was bought with a price of sin by Christ.

    You have heard the saying that our bodies were made in the image of Christ. And that we should keep our bodies pure for him and know that we are to reflect the kingdom of God. Of course we all strive to have the best of the best and be looked at without scorn. The first impression we make on others is how we look. We often care too much about the outside and not enough about what's on the inside.

    Christ calls us to such a great journey here on earth away from our true home. The way we dress and act reflects everything about us and ultimately the kingdom of heaven. Now this does not only apply for women. The bible does state,

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
                   ~Proverbs 31:25

   Women are told traditionally that the way they are on the outside is what the men see. But what men dress themselves with is also how women perceive them. The bottom line is, it goes both ways. Our body is simply a temple for Christ and we need to take care of it. We need to always remember that whatever we do affects all of those around us and ultimately our kingdom. Let us be mindful that we are the temple of Christ.

"Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."

Reevaluate your actions, thoughts, putter appearance, and everything perceives of you. And ask yourself...am I the true temple for Christ or for me?