Stephan Hoffman

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!  I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.  Philippians 1:20-26

How do you use your body? Paul expresses the hope that Christ will be glorified in his body, whether by life or death. You see, our bodies are not evil, material and reprehensible as the dualistic philosophy of Plato would have us think. No, our bodies are the temple of God's Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 3:16).

You can glorify God by the way you live or die. God's presence in our bodies transcends our existence; therefore, physical death does not threaten our eternal lives. Rather, Paul says he longs to die and to be perfect with Christ. This is not some kind of suicidal thought, but rather a way of saying how wonderful and precious life is in God's presence.

Can you say with Paul that “to live is Christ and to die is gain”?

If this is our attitude, we need not be afraid of circumstances or what people might do to us. We can fearlessly, and with hope, look forward to eternal life with God. Furthermore, we can look forward to a full life on earth, using our bodies as living temples through which God is glorified.

The temple was supposed to be the place where God's presence was visible and tangible; a place where people could experience something of God's grace, love and care and where they could meet God in worship. That’s why Jesus is so upset when the temple is abused for personal gain and exploiting others (see Matthew 21:12 and John 2:15). You should use your body as a temple of God. In other words, people should see something of God's presence, love and care in your eyes, actions and words.

May God fill us through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we are living testimonies of his presence!

Prayer: Lord, I am so sorry that I sometimes abuse my body, your temple, for my own gain and to hurt others. Help me to be a visible and tangible witness to your presence in this world, and that in me, others may see something of your love and experience, something of your care. Amen