Scripture

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Reflections

What does it mean for the Spirit of God to dwell within you?

It is common to hear Christians talk about the need to accept Jesus Christ into one’s life.  The focus is upon the individual’s need to repent and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  Once they do, it is understood that the Holy Spirit enters into their life, and they become a Christian.

When we read about the “indwelling” of the Spirit within the scriptures, the focus is upon more than just the individual.  For example, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”  The word “you” in the original language, Greek, is not singular.  It is plural—as people would say in the South, “y’all”.  Thus, Paul is not just talking about the Spirit dwelling in just one person.  He’s talking about the community of believers.

This is a profound truth.  The presence of God is powerfully encountered through community.  God is love and love does not exist without another to love.  You do not have to travel to the temple in Jerusalem to encounter God.  You can find God within God’s people.

If you want to experience God, spend time among followers of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being powerfully present through your people.  Keep me from living as a “solo Christian”, isolated from my brothers and sisters.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:10-23