Our Bodies as the Temple of God

My husband, William, and I have been in the Book of Numbers during our daily devotions. If you have read Numbers, you know there are numerous details about how the tabernacle was to be built, furnished, and used in worship and service to God. The instructions given regarding the tabernacle were meticulous and lengthy regarding each section. If these instructions were not followed, it could lead to death.

As believers, we often hear the phrase “Your body is the temple of God.” But what does that truly mean for us in everyday life? In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the Apostle Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

Furthermore, the scriptural basis for our ministry is Romans 12:1-2 which states:

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
(NLT used here.)

This powerful truth of our bodies being the temple of God isn’t just a Sunday morning cliche, it’s a transformational way of life for those who have surrendered their hearts to Jesus. I believe that understanding this scripture deeply changes how we think, act, and live in a world that constantly pulls our attention away from Christ.

The tabernacle was a portable, tent-like structure used by the Israelites for worship during their wilderness wanderings. The temple, specifically Solomon’s, was a permanent, much larger, and more ornate building in Jerusalem that replaced the tabernacle once Israel settled in the promised land. The Holy Spirit would come upon people in the Old Testament to accomplish God’s will, but in the New Testament, after the completed redemptive work of Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells permanently within each believer. God, the Holy Spirit, dwells within us as the Shekinah glory dwelt within the temple.

What It Means For Our Bodies To Be A Temple of God

In biblical times, the temple was the sacred dwelling place of God. It was set apart: holy, revered, and protected. Likewise, Paul’s words remind believers that the Holy Spirit lives within us, making each believer a living sanctuary for God Himself. We too are set apart—holy—with the very presence of God within.

Our physical body isn’t something we own, but something God entrusts to us. It becomes a sacred space where attention isn’t centered on us, but on God who dwells within. However, our body is not to be ignored since God has entrusted it to us. When we grasp this, our whole outlook changes:

• We treat our bodies with respect and care, not just for physical health, but for spiritual devotion. I have often failed miserably with my eating habits. Lately, under conviction, I have made some major changes to care for my physical health, knowing that if I do not do so, I will not be able to get around to serve or minister to anyone. My spiritual contribution to God’s kingdom will suffer because of my physical health. We need to treat our bodies with respect and care so it does not hinder our spiritual devotion.

 

• We choose holiness over habits that harm or distract from God’s purpose in our lives. I walked by a woman as I was entering the store and found myself choking from the smoke she had just exhaled. I could not help but wonder why she would hang on to such a habit that has proven to cause cancer. But sexual sin carries some harsh consequences, and it too is a habit that many keep practicing. May we seek strength from God to overcome any habits that may harm or distract us from fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.

 

• We embrace self-worth rooted not in worldly standards, but in Christ’s love and redemption. Mental health affects our physical health. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is a foundational command in the Bible (Matthew 22:39). It is considered the second greatest commandment after loving God. It orders us to treat others with the same care, compassion, and concern that each of us should be showing ourselves. For some, loving God and others may not be as challenging as loving themselves. They have gone through some life experiences that have caused them to only see their faults and limitations. They are at the opposite pole of those who only think about themselves. Knowing Jesus’ love for you and how He gave His all to redeem you, will help bring balance to how you view yourself. Because He has fully forgiven you, you can forgive yourself. Since His redemptive work defeated sin’s power over you, those faults that you often see in yourself can be defeated too.

Honoring God Through Our Bodies

When Paul tells us to “honor God with our bodies,” this goes beyond avoiding sin, it’s a call to holistic stewardship:

1. Physical Stewardship

God designed our bodies with purpose. Caring for our physical health through rest, nutrition, movement, and appropriate medical care, isn’t vain. It is being a faithful steward of what God has provided for you. This doesn’t mean perfection, but intentional stewardship.

2. Emotional and Mental Health

Our emotions and thoughts influence how we honor God every day through our behavior. Renewing our minds through Scripture and prayer helps guard us against anxiety, fear, and worldly conformity. We need to guard our emotional and mental health by keeping our focus on those things listed in Philippians 4:8-9 instead of the garbage distributed on television and in the world. Emotional and mental peace will result when the things of God are our focus.

3. Spiritual Connection

Above all, the temple represented the very presence of God among the people. There needs to be a personal, intimate connection between yourself and God that is consistent and worshipful. It is the only way that you will be able to be guided by Him and have sweet fellowship with Him. When the Shekinah glory of God moved from the tabernacle, the people moved with Him. We too should be alert when God is moving and move with Him. Furthermore, when we come in contact with others, they should sense the presence of God in our lives. Every action, whether shown in our conduct, character, or conversation should give evidence that the Spirit of God abides within us. This spiritual connection should get stronger and stronger as we proceed to enter Heaven.

When we live with awareness that our bodies are the temples of God, we begin to see every choice and action as an act of worship. Let’s honor Him not just with words, but with every breath, step, and heartbeat. Your body isn’t just a vessel; it’s a temple where heaven and earth meet.
 
 

If this message has touched your heart, we invite you to take the next step:

Explore Our Courses — deep biblical studies that strengthens your walk with Jesus.

Listen to Our Podcasts — uplifting discussions that feed your spirit.

Experience Renewal — Entrée of Encouragement is a live weekly Bible study to renew your mind in God’s truth.