1st Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
This passage of scripture teaches us that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts and minds, and therefore we are all under solemn obligation to treat in a godly manner, our bodies, by avoiding all harmful indulgences and filthiness of the flesh, in all of their various manifestations and forms. Contrary to popular belief, we are not free to do with our bodies whatsoever we like, and the notions of "freedom" and "independence" should be understood at all times in the context of God's ownership of us.
The popular song "It's my life" by Bon Jovi sends a message that is entirely contrary to the teachings of scripture, for the entire human family belongs to God, both by creation and redemption, and thus it behooves us to live soberly and righteously, taking care not to abuse in any way, our bodies which are the purchased possession of Christ.
As was stated before in previous presentations, the standards of the secular world should never be the springboard of action for the followers of Christ, for the kingdoms of this world operate on principles that are for the most part, diabolically opposed to the statutes and laws of God's kingdom. That' why the apostle Paul makes an urgent appeal to all those who wish to espouse the name of Christ. Let's read:
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The same sentiment is echoed in Galatians, where the Bible clearly delineates the mode of conduct for all would-be candidates of heaven. Let's read:
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
From time to time there are hot-dog eating competitions across America where multitudes gather to watch the contestants consume in a feverish manner, as many as fifty hot-dogs in the least time possible, to the cheers and applause of the crowds. Then again we see beer-drinking contests where massive amounts of alcoholic beverages are consumed in the same manner. The Christian cannot in good conscience take part in these events, nor support them in any manner, for they are contrary to the godly principle of temperance. Furthermore, the Lord gives us specific instruction pertaining to events such as these. Let's read:
Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
The practices and the things which God has expressly forbidden in His word, do not become right with the passage of time. God's government is founded upon eternal principles of righteousness, and are relevant to each successive generation, as long as time will last.
That's why the Lord took care to point out in His word, the path which leads to eternal life, and therefore bids every member of the human family to make choices that are in harmony with the wise instructions He has given. Even though it is true that millions may have ignorantly indulged in these practices, yet the Lord, ever willing to forgive, makes it plain that sufficient light has been shed on our pathway so that we can now make informed choices, this according to the scriptures. Let's read:
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
It is our hope and prayer that everyone would espouse and live by the word of God, for the life of the Christian consists of an on-going synthesis between the Bible and our daily experiences. May the Lord enable us to see and appreciate the truths of His word so that the necessary changes can be made by the renewing power of His Holy Spirit, who dwells within our bodies. We therefore end with a passage of scripture intended to encourage everyone on the path that leads to eternal life. Let's read:
2nd Peter 2:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
May this experience and promise be ours today. God bless!