Not Your Own

After great resistance to accept the fact that her 94-year-old body was wearing out, Ruth reluctantly began using a cane, then a shower chair; followed by Depends, being bedridden and a bedside commode. In each instance she said, “I don’t need it now, but maybe later.” As an observer, I see God prying her fingers off of the notion that her body is her own and that she can control it by shear willpower. Although Paul’s point was that a believer’s body should not be used for sexual immorality, his words apply to anyone who thinks they own themselves. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Cor 6:19- 20 NIV).