1 Corinthians 6:20 – For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. (NKJV)

Ephesians 1:13 – You, too, have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed in the Messiah, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. (ISV)

Recently, my husband and I purchased a new living room set. The following day, we noticed that my cat Nikkie had a piece of paper stuck underneath his body. So I carefully removed it, along with some of his fur. The label read, "Under penalty of law, this tag not to be removed except by the consumer." It was unclear how the cat removed the sticker from the furniture; nevertheless, no harm was done, and my family had a good laugh.

This experience reminded me of today's Scripture verses, because, in a spiritual sense, we, too, have been tagged by God's own stamp of approval — the seal of the Holy Spirit. Jesus paid the price for our sins, a price which has set us free from the penalty of sin and death. But this freedom goes beyond the redemption of our souls. As the Scripture teaches, it includes our physical being as well; consequently, we are instructed to glorify God in our bodies. Yet, for many, this may be a challenge, due to illness or disability. Even so, consider the testimony of the apostle Paul:

2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (NIV)

Philippians 1:20 – 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. (NIV)

Thus, through the power of Christ's Spirit living in us, believers can glorify the Lord despite any kind of infirmity. We have been bought, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit, ready to be used for the glory of God.

Prayer: Lord, we give You thanks that You have purchased our redemption with Your precious blood. Cleanse our hearts, minds, and bodies with Your life-giving Spirit that we may be renewed in all aspects of our being. Let Your name be glorified in us through Christ Jesus our Lord, in whose holy name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA
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