Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. (I Corinthians 3:16,17 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Temple Up
Ted Kidder was my best friend’s cousin. Not a close relationship, I realize… but it was enough for me to leverage as a defense against bullies in high school. I was mostly bookish, not athletic, and a bit sarcastic. Those things normally would have painted a target on my back, yes?
But I was defended by the ominous presence of Ted Kidder. Ted talked to me at parties. Ted lumped me together with his cousin. Ted once gave me a ride after school. Everyone saw him greet me warmly. Everyone saw him let me drive his car out of the parking lot.
And Ted Kidder had a Black Belt in karate, or some sort of martial art. I really don’t remember.
But everyone assumed that the wrath of Ted Kidder would come upon them if they gave me trouble.
I am not really sure Ted would have cared one bit if someone picked on me.
But I have a better defender. Because my relationship with God is much more real than merely being my best friend’s cousin.
In fact, God thinks enough of me that He says I am His temple!
Not because I am temple-like. But because Christ in me, is.
What do I have to fear? God dwells here. What do I have to fear? God is home with me. What do I have to fear? God defends His temple.
And if you are a Christian, you are His temple, too.
Fear Not… Then Temple up.