Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley
Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.
Refocusing on Our Identity in Christ
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Learn About It
Paul writes to the Corinthians to remind them of a powerful truth: they belong to God. Corinth was a city filled with immorality, and many of the believers had come out of a lifestyle of sin. Yet some still struggled with understanding their new identity in Christ.
Paul’s words are strong: “Ye are not your own.” The reason? They were bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Just as a slave in the ancient world could be purchased and transferred to a new master, every believer has been redeemed by Christ. This means that our lives are no longer about pursuing personal desires, but about glorifying God.
Paul also gives an important reminder: “Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” Under the Old Testament law, the temple was the place where God’s presence dwelled. But now, God’s Spirit lives inside every believer. This truth carries a responsibility—because God dwells in us, we must live in a way that honors Him.
Apply It to Me
The world teaches that we are in control of our own bodies and choices. The message is often: “Do what makes you happy.” But Paul challenges this thinking by reminding us that we are not our own.
Think about how this applies to daily life:
•How do you treat your body—not just in purity, but in health and discipline?
•Do your words and actions reflect someone who belongs to Christ?
•When making choices, do you ask: “Does this glorify God?”
Living with the mindset that we belong to God changes everything. It means that our time, resources, and even personal desires must be surrendered to Him. Instead of asking, “What do I want?” we must ask, “What does God want for me?”
Talk to God About It
Father,
Thank You for purchasing me with the blood of Jesus. I confess that at times, I have lived as though I belong to myself. Help me to remember that I am Yours. Teach me to honor You in my body, my choices, and my actions. Let my life reflect Your holiness and bring glory to Your name. Give me strength to resist temptation and to live as a vessel for Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Act on It
Choose one specific way to glorify God in your body this week—whether through purity, self-discipline, healthier choices, or resisting temptation. Write it down and ask God to help you stay committed to it.
John O’Malley
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.