Sometimes simple, familiar phrases become new and profound. That happened to me today in my Bible reading as I read Paul’s reminder, “You are not your own.” (I Corinthians 6:19) I understand the theology of this – the atonement that purchased my salvation; that bought me back – but it was the practical reality of those words that struck me. I am not my own. So many things are impacted by that truth.
If I am not my own, then I must agree with the words of Jeremiah when he declares, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23) The One who holds ownership of me has every right to choose my steps. What a blessing to know that He chooses with wisdom and is motivated by love.
If I am not my own, then it makes perfect sense that to offer my body as a living sacrifice really is a “spiritual act of worship.” It is giving over the rights to the rightful owner. It also means that conformity to the “pattern of this world” can’t be for me. I must instead conform to the principles and standards of an eternal kingdom. (Romans 12:1,2)
If I am not my own, there is only one answer to the question God asks: “Can I not do with you as this potter does?” (Jeremiah 18:5) God has every right to shape me into the vessel of His choosing for His use and glory.
And, if I am not my own, then my heart needs to echo the words of John as he declared, “He must become greater; I must become less.” I must strive to allow everyone around to see the wonder and glory of the One who rightfully owns me.
I must never forget that the hands that reach out to claim me have scars – scars that are evidence of His right to ownership and are proof of the love that makes me so richly blessed to be able to say, “I am not my own!”
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