Temple Ruins and Eternal Value Sandra Fischer
Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV
Recently, a picture of ancient temple ruins appeared on my laptop monitor. I pondered what must have been a glorious structure in its time. Later, as I passed by a full-length mirror, I noted my body image boasting some obvious parallels to the ancient icon. My exterior showed signs of aging, too—wrinkles, sagging skin, thinning hair. Then, I recalled an encouraging scripture about something eternal happening inside: Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV
As a Christian, my body is a temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV) While it will someday return to dust, what’s inside—the Holy Spirit, united with my spirit through Christ, is indestructible, forever sealed as my guarantee of eternal life. Unlike the ancient temple, whatever was worshipped in it, real or mythical, is worthless compared to what my body houses.
We live in a culture that idolizes bodies, seeking endless means to keep them from aging, while we ignore our spirits. No amount of creams, tonics or plastic surgeries will prevent physical decay. Even Christians fall into the trap, trying to keep their temple exteriors from ruin. We need faith lifts, not face lifts. We need daily exercise—reading the Bible and doing deep knee bends in prayer to strengthen spiritual muscles. Certainly, we should maintain good health, but we need to remember what is of eternal import: For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV
Lord, help us to remember to upkeep what is eternal and graciously accept what is not.
Sandra is a Faithwriters Platinum member, author of the book, “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact |
