Often, the body is referenced as God’s temple when promoting better diet and exercise. It’s true that indulgence, sloth, drugs, tobacco and alcohol can be problematic, but the verse from which the phrase comes is related to sexual sin. It’s the warning Paul uses to close his thoughts on sexual immorality. Take a look:

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

Of course, exercise and a good diet are beneficial and honoring to God, but the diet of the heart and mind should top the priority list. It’s the place where lust begins and desire is cultivated. What’s fed into the mind, takes up residence in God’s dwelling place; the heart. In addition, the part about being “bought at a price” isn’t just a word-picture, it’s for real. Jesus has already paid for the temple. The title to the property has His name on it and we’re just the caretakers.

Perhaps you need to pause and do a walk-through of the temple. Are there habits and routines that need to be addressed? Struggles can be conquered through the power of Christ, and victory starts with prayer. In Him there is forgiveness and the strength to overcome (Ephesians 2:8-10).