Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 TEMPERANCE DAY

BODY: THE TEMPLE OF GOD TO BE KEPT IN HOLINESS 

 Portion  Luke: 11.33-36

  In this passage Jesus talks about the light. Light is the source of energy, when we compare with solar light that brightens or illuminates the whole universe.Sun moves around the world and the light removes the darkness. Such a way Jesus Christ taught about the light and he will remove all darkness in our life. Mt.5.14 says “You are the light of the world” Jesus compares the light and the people. As we are the children of God we are the light of the world who bears the light in darkness will be the children of light. God created the light, God said “let there be light and there was light”(Gen.1.3) and God saw the light was good and God divided light and darkness. If the light removes the darkness when we became the light there is no room for darkness in our life. No one light a lamp and put it underneath of bowl, instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. Likewise let our light shine before others.

The Lamp of the Body 

     Concerned about the body it needs directions to do things. Body is directed by our mindset. Mind needs directions by our vision, clear vision makes sense and actions accordingly. “Your eye is the lamp of the body, when your eyes are healthy your whole body is full of light but when they are unhealthy your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, the light within you is not darkness. therefore if your whole body is full of light and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.(Lk.11.34-36)

Temple Of God 

     You are the temple of God, and that God’s spirit dwells in your midst. If anyone destroy God’s temple God will destroy him/her. For gods temple is sacred and you together you together are the temple.(1.Cor. 3.16,17)

The dwelling place of our spirit is our body, without body spirit can not have existence. That is the reason St.Paul says we are the temple of God we need to keep our body as holy and sacred. We have no right to destroy or make it unholy through our words and deeds because God is holy, Holy God whom we  are worshipping. As we read in Romans.12.1 Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice , holy , and pleasing to God.

Temperance as Symbol of Holiness 

       Temperance as a character trait is a common theme in the Bible especially in the  New Testament. Those who observe and practice temperance are the self controlled  or disciplined in their passion and behaviors.

  Temperance relating to consumption of alcohol is implied in Ep.5.18 “Do not be drunk with wine but filled with holy spirit”. Unless a person get rid of alcohol it will be impossible for holy spirit to control us but alcohol will be in control. For a true Christian holy spirit must control him/her.whether it be alcohol, food, lust, greed, any fleshy desire that is not restrained becomes our functional god. St. Paul says discipline our body and keep it under control.

    As we observe temperance Sunday let us look back and examine ourself, whether I was addicted to something other than alcohol some food ,some, habits, social media. No control over forwarding some messages to share all not even reading the content which may ruin others life, character and personality. Let us be aware of the words and actions of our life.

 

Prayer
Lord, help us to understand our bodies are the temple of God and to be kept in holiness .

Amen.

Rev. Sam T. Mathew

Vicar St.Peter’s Marthoma Church 
New Jersey

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