30 October | Youth
«Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?» 1 Corinthians 6:19.
A young woman went to the Brazilian consulate in London to renew her passport. Interestingly, it was not expired, but destroyed by a pet. The attendant looked intrigued at the deep marks on the document and asked: “Did you know that this passport does not belong to you?” She did not know what to answer. Her name was written there. The official then added: “The country's government is the legitimate owner of this passport and granted you the right to use it as a citizen, but it does not belong to you. It represents the nation that issued it and entrusted it to its care.” After saying this, he gave her a fine. The new document cost twice the normal price.
Likewise, the Bible teaches that we have freedom to do with our lives whatever we want. It also teaches that what we have and are comes from God, to whom we will be accountable one day.
Are you bothered by the idea of receiving a gift and not being able to use it the way you want? Do you think this gift sounds like an excuse or a strategy to control your life? None of that. God does not act like that. The freedom He offers us is in full harmony with His love. But there is no freedom and love without accountability.
In 1 Corinthians, when speaking of the body as a sacred temple, Paul warns against idolatry and sexual impurity, implying that ritual marks, promiscuity, drunkenness and all types of immorality are serious violations, capable of destroying your “passport.”
Be careful with “pets”! In a brief moment of carelessness, they can ruin your passport for the most important trip of your life. Would you like to have an audience with God today on this matter? Now, at this very moment, He is at the service counter, and it is your turn. He is waiting for you to renew your visa and guarantee your trip. Do not keep the “damaged passport.” Go to Christ, and He will stamp the document that will allow you to enter Heaven.