Spiritual Cultivation

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

The Corinthian church was having a human problem that the Apostle Paul dealt with in his letter to them. The congregants were playing favorites. In some ways they were following their celebrity preachers. Some favored Apollos, others Paul, or Peter. So Paul corrected them.

He explained that we are all brothers and sisters of the Lord gifted to serve each other. Some of us are better at planting the Word. Others are good at watering the Word. But the One who gives the growth is God. Thus, focus on HIM and be grateful for those who serve as they do.

Then he gave a metaphor of the church being a building. Some people serve by laying the foundation. From there, others build upon the foundation. They may use gold, silver, stones, wood, hay, or straw. The fruit of their work will be revealed when tested. He basically implied it is better to build your house with stronger material. So choose wisely.

He then emphasizes our body is the temple of God’s Spirit. That the temple is sacred and one needs to be wise in the material they choose to lay upon their foundation.

In other words, better to cultivate your soul with Godly material. Plant seeds from a good source. Be sure to water the seeds with fresh water. Yet, whatever the source, remember it is God who gives the growth. So lean on HIM at all times.

Saturate yourself with HIS Word. Align yourself with HIS Spirit. Surrender your kingdom under the domain of God’s Kingdom. Invest your resources to cultivate a soul that hungers for God’s presence. Learn to share your life with HIM as HE shares HIS life with you. Become more aware of HIM in your daily routines. HE is always present.

Continue to cultivate your soul to be open to the planting and watering of Jesus. It is easy to take a day off. But time with God makes the rest of the day flow with greater meaning and purpose. It is more enjoyable knowing your God is with you and you are with HIM in everything you do that day. Besides, are not relationships built by sharing interests and time together? What better way than to cultivate your soul for HIS glory and purpose and reap the benefits along the way.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

^{Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler}

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“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. ” (Colossians 1:9-12 NIV)