In the Gospel of John, one eye-witness account of the life of Jesus, Chapter 16, verses 7-11, Jesus says, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” What would compel Christ to say this?

Part of the magnificence of Jesus is that he came in the flesh, fully man and fully God. When he ascended into heaven after His resurrection, He left behind the divine Spirit of God to empower the physical body and mind of the people of God. Jesus and His followers chose to use the language of “incarnation,” meaning God is active within the physical world and our physical bodies. Thus, our bodies are called the “living temples” of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We are physical representations of the body of Christ, activated and made whole by the Spirit of God through Jesus. “Whatever” we do with our bodies matters not just in representing Christ to others but in honoring the living, active Spirit inside of us. 

Today’s action step: Slow down to consider how each action you take can be “unto” the Lord as a member of His body. This can be pausing before you greet your spouse, talk to your roommate, do the dishes, drive to work, head to the store, pick out your clothes, or send an email. Do your thoughts and actions reflect who you are as a member of the body of Christ?