You Are His Temple
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
Where I live in Southern California real estate prices are insane. A two-bedroom condo can run a million dollars, or more than $3,500 a month in rent. The trend in the U.S. is starting to look a lot like the rest of the world: adult children living with their parents longer in the same home. And the home ownership dream seems to be more difficult for each new generation.
A longtime friend is married and has four adult children. He and his wife have worked hard, and at one time owned a house. Then health crises and the ’08 banking crisis hit, and when they had to make a cross-country move from Minnesota to California, they couldn’t sell their house and eventually lost it. They rent now, and it haunts my friend that he’s a renter and not an owner. He will tell you that his self-esteem took a hit when his Minnesota house foreclosed.
Real estate status, though, doesn’t mark or measure the man. Jesus tells us that “in my Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2) Because God’s Man is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we have the greatest dwelling place, with a great Owner.
You are Jesus’ real estate. He purchased you for a high price and His Spirit lives within you. Everywhere you go, He goes. And as the Occupant of your life and spirit, His ownership is permanent. There are no foreclosures or short sales in God’s kingdom. Whether your rent, own, couch surf, or live in a conversion van, you are appraised at a very high price. Own it, and live in it.
Father, thank you for purchasing me for a great price. Let me rejoice in Christ’s ownership of me.