You Are Not Your Own

Chaplain Tim Henson
Columbus Air Force Base
Columbus, Mississippi

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. -1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

The problem with Christian living is that we live our lives as if it is ours. We seek to determine our way, our assignments, our moral compass, how to use our time, talents, treasures, and bodies.

However, when we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are no longer our own. We seek His will for direction, standards of morality, and how to use our bodies, treasure, talents, and time to further His kingdom agenda. We are not owners but stewards. The owner instructs the stewards or managers on how to care for and execute what belongs to Him.

We belong to the Lord. We were bought with a price. Our bodies are the temples for the Holy Spirit to dwell. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) We are God’s priests, holy nation, and peculiar treasure. (1 Peter 2:9) We are His servants and kingdom citizens. He is the head of the church, and what He says goes. (Colossians 1:18)

I am in the United States Air Force. I belong to the government, and I am under the authority of the governing authorities over me. I am told where to go (assignments), what to do (missions), how to use my time (prioritization), what to wear (uniform), and how to present myself in terms of appearance and military customs and courtesies (grooming and mannerisms). I have my differences of opinions with the Air Force at times, but I respect, conform to, and adhere to the mandates and expectations of the Air Force.

Well, in the same manner but on a much higher level, Christians belong to and are under the authority of God. Therefore, we should respect, conform to, and adhere to God’s will for our lives. When we have differences of opinions, we should recognize God’s place as the sovereign owner and our place as the stewards and submit ourselves to His timing, direction, and way. Remember, we are not our own.

Chaplain Tim Henson

Scripture Readings
Monday - 1 Corinthians 6
Tuesday- 1 Peter 2
Wednesday - Colossians 1
Thursday- Jeremiah 10
Friday- Romans 4
Saturday - 1 John 3