The passage below gives us a strong image of what it looks like to be united with Christ and how that should change what we do with our bodies. Take a look and see what you think.

1 Corinthians 6:13-17

¹³ You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴ By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. ¹⁵ Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!¹⁶ Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” ¹⁷ But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Wow, what strong imagery this passage gives us! Our bodies are members of Christ himself. I don’t think I often think of my body as part of Christ. I often see my body as some earthly thing that is falling apart and will one day die. This however is a temporary way of thinking of my body. I don’t think this passage is just talking about our physical bodies. I think it is a reminder that what we do in our physical bodies affects our spiritual health as well.

I really love the image that Paul uses that you would never go and get a prostitute and unite them with Christ so why would you do it with your own body? I think this example can be used for many different things in our lives. Since Christ died for our sins why would we want to continue sinning and uniting Christ with this sin? Our bodies aren’t meant for sin because we have been raised with Christ to a new life in him. The stand out verse in this passage for me is verse 17 “But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” I am united with the Lord in spirit! How beautiful to know that we are one with the Lord through his death and resurrection.

Head: Do you live like you are united with the Lord? How do you feel about the image Paul uses in verses 16 & 17?

Heart: Be assured by the message that we are meant for the Lord and that when we are united with him we are one with him in Spirit. Spend some time letting this soak into your heart. You are one with the Lord in Spirit through his death and resurrection to remove your sins.

Hands: Is there something in your life you need to stop uniting yourself and Christ with? What would it look like to put some changes in place today? Is there someone you could talk to about this today?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that we can be united with you in spirit through that gracious act of love you showed us through sending your son to the cross to die for our sins. Thank you that we can be united with you in spirit through this action. Please help us to live lives that bring you honour. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

A song to listen to: This Life I Live

Emily Andrews

This Grow Daily was  originally posted as part of the God With Us – Matthew series. During the School Holidays we take the opportunity to look back at the Grow Dailys over the years.