Welcome once again to our series “Healthy and Well.” Are we staying away from things that destroy our bodies? Let’s find out from today’s devotion.

Hindi ba ninyo alam na ang inyong katawan ay templo ng Espiritu Santo na nasa inyo at ipinagkaloob ng Diyos sa inyo? Hindi na ninyo pag-aari ang inyong katawan; sapagkat binili niya kayo sa isang halaga. Kaya’t gamitin ninyo ang inyong katawan upang maparangalan ang Diyos.

1 Mga Taga-Corinto 6:19–20

Maingat si Tony sa katawan. Never siyang nagkaroon ng kahit anong bisyo tulad ng pag-inom at paninigarilyo dahil sabi niya, “As a Christian, I want to honor God with my body.” Hanga ang mga kapitbahay niya sa kanya dahil kahit anong pilit nila, hindi ito natitinag. Kahit isang lagok ng alak o isang hithit ng sigarilyo, ang sagot niya lagi, “No.”

Kaya naman nagulat ang lahat nang mastroke si Tony. Kahit pala walang bisyo, napabayaan niya ang katawan niya na naging cause ng pagkakasakit niya. Mahilig pala siyang kumain ng maaalat. Adobo na nga ang ulam, sasabawan pa ang kanin niya ng toyo. Adik din siya sa mga matatamis. Apat na kutsara ng asukal ang hinahalo sa kape na pantulak sa paborito niyang triple-layer chocolate cake. Eating like this for decades led to his high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease. Unknown to him, his body was slowly being destroyed.

Many Christians know that their bodies are God’s temple, His home. They do their best to avoid the most obvious substances that could potentially harm their bodies. But what about those that might seem harmless but actually not when consumed in excess? Sure, we avoid taking prohibited drugs, but do we also stay away from what might destroy our bodies — one spoonful or cupful at a time?

After Tony returned home from the hospital, his perspective about healthy living changed. Because he wants to live longer to serve God, sinakripisyo niya ang hinahanap ng panlasa niya. He learned that taking care of his body is more than just saying no to alcohol and cigarettes. To God’s command of using his body to honor God, Tony is saying yes.

Let’s stay healthy by taking care of our bodies. And let’s keep growing spiritually by feeding on the Word of God. KIta-kits tayo uli bukas for our series “Healthy and Well.”