Some of the most valued tourist attractions around the world are temples. There is something to be said about those grand works of architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and echoing with the murmur of prayers. Now, imagine that temple not as a building of stone and mortar, but as something precious and of much more value: your own body. Does it resonate with the same grandeur, or are you struggling to ascribe such value to yourself?
I have visited a few temples myself, and the picture above is one I captured in Taiwan. What strikes me is the detail that is put into every piece of stone. The intricate paintings in red signify good fortune and prosperity. The hints of gold are emblems of wealth and nobility among many other culturally significant details. The precious stones often stand for generations owing to the immense effort put into maintaining them year in and year out. That, my friends, is the kind of reverence our bodies deserve. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often overlook and treat our bodies like neglected outbuildings, ignoring their needs and pushing them to the limit. Charles R. Swindoll describes our bodies as “The stepchild of our lives. Often mistreated and misunderstood. It exists without encouragement and serves us without reward”.
How disturbing is it that we neglect such a marvel of engineering, one that scientists have attempted to reproduce by artificial means but are yet to even fully understand? The body is a symphony of organs and tissues playing in perfect harmony, self-repairing and self-renewing. Yet, we cram our bodies with processed foods, cover them with ill-fitted clothing, subject them to immeasurable levels of stress, and drown their whispers of need in the clatter of daily life. No wonder the Apostle Paul questioned our understanding of the very bodies we live in “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
This is no mere metaphor. In various religions, people gather in temples to pray with the belief that those prayers will be answered. The common understanding is that there is a “spirit” in that temple that has the power to alter the course of one’s life. In 1 Corinthians 6, our physical bodies are said to be home to the Holy Spirit. Embracing this perspective encourages us to cultivate a deep sense of reverence for the vessel that houses our spirit. So, neglecting your body is not a badge of honor. It is like dimming the flame of your spirit and betraying the vessel that carries the life in us.
The beauty of a temple isn’t in its perfection, but the respect and care with which it is adorned. It is recognizing that no matter how dusty a neglected temple is, it doesn’t stop being a temple. Don’t look down on your body. By treating it with the reverence it deserves, we honor the Creator who fashioned us in His image. In return, our bodies reward us with a lifetime of health, vitality, and joy.
So, how do we reclaim our temple, rekindle its radiance, and cultivate a life of vibrant health and well-being? Let’s discover the way forward together. Until next time!