Monday Musings on the Creator in Me

When the Temple is Defiled

Descriptions of the old testament temple, where the Spirit of God dwelt, are very impressive. The temple was a fabulous work of art, finely crafted with the most precious materials. It took seven long years to construct with detailed precision. 


But that temple is long gone. Where, then, does the Spirit of God dwell now?


Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16


Ah, yes -- the Creator in me! My body, too, is finely crafted -- an impressive masterpiece of design.  "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus . . ." (Ephesians 2:10). I am the carefully created temple of the Holy God!


But what happens when the body is defiled? What if the body is battered by abuse -- inflicted by self or external forces? What if the flesh is devastated by disease? Is a person who has been ravaged by sin, Satan, and the world any less inhabitable by a Mighty, Holy God? 


Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19


But [you] are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9


If we are followers of Christ, the Spirit of God dwells in us -- with no restrictions on the condition of the body! Is that not awesome to think about? 


While I have never intended my blog to be a personal journal, I will tell you that I happen to be awaiting a diagnosis regarding multiple tumours and swollen lymph glands. Potentially very scary stuff -- and yet I have been overwhelmed with a sense of Peace knowing that right along with whatever is wreaking havoc in my body is the Spirit of God! The Great Physician!  The Life! Never has the title of my Monday meme had more significance to me than it does now. My temple may be defiled by the effects of sin in this world -- but it is no less the dwelling place of my Creator and Saviour. I take joy in that!


Have you felt less powerful because your temple is defiled? Have you felt less worthy because of it? Rejoice with me in the knowledge that the Spirit of God dwells in His followers no matter what the condition of this temporal form!


P.S. I apologize for neglecting my blog of late. Now you have an inkling why . . .;)