For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. (1 Cor. 6:16–17)
When I did competitive team ballet, my coach reminded us every practice that we needed to move as one. We would even have to count our breathing step by step, and over time we became one fluid motion. If one of us was off, the whole routine was messed up, so it took intentionality to be made one.
Similarly, we need to be deliberate about the steps we take so we do not unite ourselves with something threatening to our unity with Jesus. Paul wanted the readers to know how crucial it is to keep our bodies united with God. When we decide to unite ourselves with someone outside of marriage, we become one with them regardless of whether there is an emotional connection or not.
Sex inside of marriage should be pure, making it in line with the Spirit of God. If we choose to unite ourselves with the things that go against God, then we cannot be for God. At salvation, our spirit becomes a member of Christ, and we are called to live as people who recognize the honor of being a part of the mystical body of the Lord. What we choose to do with our bodies, and how we treat them, is an indication of our relationship with Christ. Since we are members of Christ’s body, then this passage is calling us to act like it.
Align your heart and body with God.
Rachel Reigard is a NextGen Pastor at Bethany Wesleyan Church’s Palmerton Campus (PA). She serves alongside her worship and youth pastor-husband, Josh.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
