You Are Not Your Own

My grandmother’s acoustic guitar has been in my possession for the last sixteen years. It is a beautiful instrument — made out of finely selected wood, and expertly crafted design with detailed etching and colors running from the pick guard all the way up to the tuning pegs.

I hold that guitar with care, because it is precious and, because it is not mine. I maintain it, but I do not own it. And it’s for that reason I don’t choose to do with it whatever I want. I don’t toss it around, don’t drop it on the floor — it is not mine! Neither are our bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:18 says,

“Flee from sexual immorality … Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Prayer of Confession

Father, forgive us for the ways we have used our bodies in ways that have not pleased you. In ways that suggest we actually think we own these bodies. Actually think we deserve them, sustain them, and have sole rights to them. 

Our hands were made by you. Our eyes, designed by you. You knit our bodies together. We are not our own. You made us, and you bought us — and so we are yours twice over. Forgive us for using our bodies improperly. For using our members as means to sin.

And, in this moment, we’re reminded of the many other ways we have sinned this week — both in body and mind. And so we confess these to you as well, now, in this moment of silent confession…