Our Bodies Are a Temple

By Ana Borden

During my first year of high school religion class, one of the discussions and lessons that left a lasting impression on me was understanding what a gift from God our bodies are. As our middle schooler starts theology of the body classes at school, I am reminded of the importance to instill in our children that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. We are called to protect, nourish and take care of our bodies and use our gifts to do God’s will.

If our bodies are temples, a sacred place, should we not do all we can to take care of our bodies to reflect our love and respect for God? Why would we choose non-nourishing foods, drugs, abuse alcohol and immoral sex if it leads us further from the Trinity?

Why would one choose to surround oneself with those that disrespect or demean our, their own and/or their neighbors’ body? Shouldn’t we encourage exercise, keeping ourselves clean, choosing nourishing food and proper rest so our bodies may thrive which ultimately leads to our minds and faith to thrive as well?

As I age, I see even more so the fruits of taking care of my body when caring for my loved ones and doing God’s will in our home, community and profession and want to pass down those teachings to our children. I also want to give my husband and children the peace that I am living healthy so they too may thrive and achieve God’s plan for themselves.

What are some other things we can and cannot do to teach our children about their “temple” to honor God?

“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.