Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 7:1  “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reference for God.”

I do not think I am a “germaphobic,” but I do admit having one of these hand sanitizers always within arm’s length!  My husband with his chemistry background has concocted his own solution for just pennies.  It does not smell as nice as the store bought variety but it gets the job done.  I think the concern over germs comes from his side of the family.  We bought my mother-in-law a plaque that says, “Jesus and germs are everywhere.  So wash your hands and say your prayers!”  I am not sure our preventive measures keep us healthier than anyone else, but I would like to think so!

Our verse for today talks about being uncontaminated not only in the body but in the spirit too.  There is a special motivation to keep ourselves morally pure.  The context teaches that our bodies are the temple of God (6:16).  His desire is to live with us, walk among us and be a Father to us.  Because of these promises, He wants us to keep ourselves holy or set apart for Him.

Staying healthy spiritually takes a consecrated effort.  It is too easy to be contaminated by the world’s values.  It is too easy to compromise our standards for a relationship with a nonbeliever.  But when we do, that special relationship with our Father is compromised.  I do not belong to any human being the way I belong to the Lord.  He has bought me at an incredible price and I belong to Him.

Lord, take my heart, my soul, my mind, and my body.  They are exclusively Yours.