Christians Only Material: More than a body

By Tope BANSO
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 New King James Version).
You’re a spirit. You have a soul and you live in a body. You’re a tripartite being. That’s why Paul says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 New King James Version). Please take note of the order. Spirit comes before soul and body.
Unfortunately, many people pay more attention to their body than their spirit. And, they pay more attention to their soul than their spirit. However, Paul rightly listed the spirit ahead of the soul and the body.
Your real you is your spirit, not your body or soul. Don’t neglect your spirit. God is Spirit (John 4:24). If you’re born again, God communicates with your recreated human spirit through the Holy Spirit which dwells in your spirit (Romans 8:16).
Actually, your soul and body do not get born again. Only your spirit does. After that, your soul, which comprises your mind, will, and emotions, continues to be renewed as you expose yourself to the Word of God. Through that, your life is transformed (Romans 12:2). The body will be transformed at the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:53-54). But, before then, you must not yield any part of your body to the devil for sin (Romans 6:13). You’re more than a beautiful or handsome face, a sexy body, etc.
Is your spirit born again? What does it profit a man/woman if he/she has a handsome/beautiful face and a sexy body, puts on designers’ clothes and acquires multiple degrees, educating his soul (mind), but ends in hell fire? Pay attention to your spirit first, but, don’t neglect your soul and body.
Don’t objectify yourself by paying excessive attention to your body. Don’t let anyone reduce you to an ordinary body – don’t let anybody objectify you. You’re more than a body. Lack of appreciation of this truth, is the reason the society has turned women to sex objects, and use them as such in adverts! Some women also promote this error, showing off and selling their body! This is condemnable.
All about women is not sex! Woman, you’re a spirit: you have a soul and you live in a body. There is more about you than the body you’re exhibiting. Don’t use your body to manipulate the opposite sex. The body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body (1 Corinthians 6:13).
Man or woman, if you’re born again, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; you were bought with a price, therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). If you’re not born again, give your life to Jesus today and begin to expose your mind to the Word of God for its renewal. This will lead to your transformation. You’re more than a body!
PRAYER POINT: Father, keep my spirit, soul and body blameless at the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ.
This is wisdom for living, and it’s worth sharing. Please share.
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▪Banso, an Abuja-based minister can be reached through Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria;
cedarministryintl@yahoo.com, cedarministryng@gmail.com;
Tel No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947