“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, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
As a teenager, how do we really glorify God with our body? First of all, it is important to realize that our bodies really are a “temple” or a home for the Holy Spirit. We are the earthly vessels that God uses to show the sinful world about Him. As Christians, we ask Jesus into our hearts, to reside in us, and to lead and guide us in our lives on earth. As Christians, we believe that Jesus is God’s son and paid an incredible price to save us from our sins. Because of this, we can also be a representative of Christ on earth.
We can honor God in our bodies by treating it with respect and using it to further the kingdom of God. We are called to take care of our bodies by getting proper rest and nutrition, to respect our bodies by protecting it from harm and staying away from harmful situations, and to further His kingdom by respecting others in these areas. It is important to think about how you dress, what situations you put yourself into, and how you respond when you are in a tough situation. Always remember that God is honored when we honor ourselves and others. If you are in a situation where you feel compromised, listen to yourself and tell an adult like your parents or a youth director.
Take Away: Treat your body with respect, take care of it, and allow God to use you in your school, your church, and your community.