Day 13 — A Temple

“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; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.”

— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (BSB)

In the Old Testament, the temple in Jerusalem was the most special building in the world. It was where God’s presence lived among His people. It was built with gold, cedar wood and precious stones. It was treated with great care and respect.

Paul says something amazing: if you belong to Jesus, your body is a temple. The Holy Spirit lives in you! God’s presence doesn’t live in a building anymore. He lives in His people.

That means your body is precious. It’s not “just” a body. It’s a home for God.

Paul also says, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” What price? Jesus gave His life on the cross to make you His. So your body belongs to God, and He wants you to take good care of it.

How can you honor God with your body?

• Take care of it. Eat healthy food, drink water, get exercise and sleep enough.
• Don’t harm it. Stay away from things that damage your body, like drugs, alcohol or vaping. Don’t take dangerous risks just to show off.
• Keep it clean. Take care of your hygiene. That’s a way of respecting what God made!
• Use it for good. Use your hands to help, your feet to go where God sends you and your mouth to speak kind words.
• Be thankful for it. Even if you don’t love everything about how you look, your body is a gift from God.

And here’s something important: because your body is precious to God, it’s worth protecting. If anyone ever touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, confused or unsafe, tell a trusted adult right away. Your body belongs to God, and He wants you to be safe.

Some kids have bodies that work differently: bodies with disabilities, illnesses or challenges. Those bodies are just as precious to God, and just as much His temple. Every body that belongs to Jesus is holy ground.

Think about it: What’s one way you could take better care of the body God gave you?

Try this: Choose one healthy habit to practice this week, like drinking more water, going to bed on time, or playing outside instead of on a screen.

Dear God, thank You for my body. Thank You that if I belong to Jesus, my body is a temple of Your Holy Spirit. Help me take care of it, protect it and use it to honor You. Thank You that I was bought at a price. In Jesus’ name, Amen.