Devotion - Thursday, October 27

The appointed lesson for today comes from the 6th Chapter of I Corinthians. Paul has been addressing concerns about the community in Corinth. Here, he deals with issues of sexual morality. Paul has some stern words for those who fail to realize that bodies are important. He writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?"

I must insert a thought which those of you attending our LCM some-what annual "sex talk" have heard me say: Most of the talk we hear about sex is way too simple. Too much of what we are told ignores the complex nature of our sensual selves. These thoughts are consistent with what it is that Paul says about our bodies in I Corinthians.

Our bodies are not like a sweat-shirt, which we use in whatever way we choose. Our bodies are not like a car, which we own and thus have the ability to either treat kindly or badly. Our bodies are a gift from God; the temple for God; and something about which God is deeply concerned.

Let us not forget that the God whom we worship set aside a heavenly body in order to take on a human body. There is something sacred about our bodies.

How, then, ought we to treat them? Certainly with respect and honor. Surely in a way which reflects the value God has for them.

It is too light a thing to say "You can do this," or "that is not allowed." The complexity of our existence should not be reduced to a few simple axioms. When we misuse our bodies, or the body of another, something more significant is going on than merely breaking some rule handed down to us by some interpreter. We are violating the sacred trust God has in us and for us. We are rejecting the role God desires in our lives.

Another unhealthy trend in modern religious life is the privatization of piety. We take everything as a matter "between me and God." We fail to understand the communal nature of our faith. If you want to evaluate whether your actions are appropriate, ask yourself one simple question: "Can I discuss my choices with other members of the community?" If I can, there is a reasonable expectation that my actions are not shameful and potentially hurtful. If I cannot, it may mean that I am acting shamefully.

This issue is way too complex to address in a few short paragraphs. But the Lectionary brought me to this text and thus forced me to reflect on it. Rather than read this offering as answer, use it to begin your own thinking about the sacredness of your body and as encouragement to see in others the same.