In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Paul reminds the church at Corinth – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Note especially that phrase, “…You are NOT your own, for you were BOUGHT with a price…” That “price” was the blood of Jesus Christ who died for us. Our salvation cost Him a death on the cross.
The important thing to remember and to realize is that as a Christian, we are slaves of God. We BELONG to Him. Paul often used the term “servant” to refer to Himself in relation to God and Jesus Christ. The actual word in the original text can be translated SLAVE, and that’s what our relationship is to God. Anyone who is a TRUE believer in Jesus Christ has been purchased “bought” by His blood. Therefore, we NO LONGER belong to ourselves – we belong 100% to God.
Since God now owns us, we have no rights any longer. God can do WHATEVER He wants in and through our lives. Too many people argue, “Oh, well I have a right to be happy.” or “I have a right to this or that!” As a Christian – we have no rights whatsoever. What about Joseph sold into slavery, thrown into prison…didn’t he have rights? What about Paul? beaten, whipped, also thrown into prison. Didn’t he have rights? No. The Bible is quite clear. “But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3) And as a Christian, we should be COMPLETELY surrendered to HIM and HIS WILL for our lives. That is the ONLY way to TRULY experience the Christian life. We must give our lives to God, surrender our will to His, and let Him do WHATEVER He wants to do.
Note what Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) He said “Take my YOKE!” When cattle are wearing a yoke, they are not free to go wherever they want – they must go where they are led. And the same is true for us…we MUST follow Jesus, no matter what it involves. Anyone who claims to be a Christian and yet refuses to obey God and do what is right, is NOT a TRUE Christian. It DOES NOT matter what we want…it matters what is RIGHT and what God’s PERFECT will is.
Christ Jesus paid His end of the deal – He DIED for us. If we TRULY KNOW Him as Savior – we OWE HIM EVERYTHING! It’s not about ME, Myself, or I. Paul told us “So glorify God in your body”. That’s what our life is now – bringing glory and praise to Him and Him ALONE!
George Mueller had it right when he said, “There was a day when I died; died to self, my opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren or friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God.”