Daily Devotional
Keeping God’s Temple Clean
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
November 24, 2023
Ponder This
When I was a little boy, I was part of a wonderful church. As you walked in the door of that very small auditorium, there was a sign over the door that said, “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20). When I walked in there, I knew I’d come to the holy place. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not putting down that place, but there is a flaw with attaching that quote to a building. Because do you know where the sanctuary is now? Right here, in me. Paul said, when you’re in Christ, your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).
You know there are people who wouldn’t think of defiling this place. Some of you would not smoke in here, but as soon as you get out, you light up. You say, “Well I wouldn’t smoke in there—that’s the church.” But the truth is, you’re the sanctuary. Some of you would not use language in the church that you would use outside of church. Why is that? You’re the temple of God. God lives in you! That is the sanctuary to keep clean through His Spirit, in church and out of church, when everyone sees you and when no one is around.
- What are some things that you do outside of the church that do not honor God?
- How should the understanding that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit change the way you live?
Practice This
Pray and ask God to show you where you are not reflecting the Holy Spirit in your life.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
