The Sacred Temple Within: A Reflection on Divinity and Sanctity (03/14/'24) -Statement

The Sacred Temple Within: A Reflection on Divinity and Sanctity In our world, numerous temples stand as testaments to faith and devotion, yet the most profound temple is not one made of stone or adorned with gold; it is the human body. Within this living temple resides God's life-giving spirit, making it a sacred space that surpasses all others in importance. This perspective invites us to recognize and honor the divine presence within ourselves and others, emphasizing the sanctity and care with which we should treat our bodies and the bodies of those around us. The significance of maintaining the sanctity of sacred spaces is vividly illustrated in the biblical accounts of "The Cleansing of the Temple." In these narratives, Jesus enters the temple and, with righteous fervor, expels those who have turned a place of worship into a marketplace. His actions—overturning the tables of the money-changers and preventing anyone from using the temple as a thoroughfare for commerce—are recorded in Mark 11:15-16, Matthew 21:12, Luke 19:45, and John 2:13-15. Through this act, Jesus underscores the paramount importance of preserving the purity of worship spaces, free from the taint of worldly transactions. This event not only serves as a powerful reminder of the need to respect and protect physical places of worship but also metaphorically highlights the need to keep our inner temples—our bodies and spirits—pure and dedicated to God's service. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 14, 2024)