What did the story you just read say to you?
I don’t have to feel guilty for not exercising regularly as long as I keep praising the Lord.
Are you balanced in your approach to managing and maintaining your temple? Why or why not?
“I think so. I try to generally make good food choices and keep active, and I love water.”
Can you still bring praise to God if you neglect your temple?
“Yes, but it’s not a good idea.”
Can you still bring praise to God if you obsess over your temple?
“Yes, but same” as the above problem.
Based on the verses you’ve already read today, why does a deflated view of self dishonor God?
“He doesn’t make any junk – He has created each of our bodies to be unique, special and beautiful.”
Read Romans 12:3 and Ramans 11:20; 12:16. Why does an inflated view of self dishonor God?
“It is arrogance and pride.”
What did Jesus command us to do in Matthew 22:39?
“Love our neighbors as ourselves.”
Based on the following verses, write a statement or two on the walls of the thought closet below that articulate how God values you.
Isaiah 43:1 – “He has summoned me by name. I am His.”
Isaiah 43:4 – “I am precious and honored in His sight. He gave His Son for me.”
Jeremiah 31:3 – “He loves me with an everlasting love. He has drawn me with kindness.”
Romans 15:7 – “Christ has accepted me.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 – “I was bought at a price. I should honor God with my body.”
Ephesians 1:4 – “He chose me. I am holy and blameless in His sight.”
Ephesians 2:10 – “I am God’s workmanship”
1 Peter 2:9 – “I am chosen.”
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:4. How did Paul describe the enemy of Christ?
“He will exalt Himself over God.”
What pursuits of your temple are most important for you?
“I guess choosing nice outfits and looking cute.”
What is the purpose of your temple?
“glorifying God.”
Do you ever focus too much on the pursuits of the temple and neglect its purpose? How?
“not that much, maybe a little – taking more time or thought than necessary”
Write one statement you can speak to your soul about balancing your pursuit with the with the purpose of the temple.
“I want to look nice solely to glorify God, and not for any other reason.”
Dearest Rachel –
Well, for what it’s worth, I never objected to your looking nice in order to appeal to me (and I can think of several outfits in particular that did just that, I might add – unfortunately, not all of them were you ever photographed in, so… yeah). And I will admit to being in no position to insist that you spend too much time and effort to keep your body in proper shape – because if I did, I’d have to clean up my own act, and I wasn’t ready to do that.
As far as drinking water, yes, you and Daniel were the only people I knew who carried water bottles on their person at all times; you to the point of crocheting cozies with lanyard with which to carry them. Admittedly, this past week, I’ve seen more of that among our group (and other tourists), but that’s a tourism thing, rather than everyday activity. And it did have its downside, in that you always had to know where the nearest bathroom was, in order to get rid of what you’d consumed.
But yes, you didn’t let your looks become an overriding issue in your life. I still can’t relate to women who wear – or even use – a lot of cosmetics in order to look ‘good.’ To me, it just looks fake. But that’s what you accustomed me to. And it was sufficient for you.
Of course, there was the matter of all of your clothes; hopefully, most of them have found good homes (and you would be pleased with the new quilts). But the thing is, you felt more than secure in both your skin and your clothes – or if you didn’t, certainly had me fooled.
It’s like to think between your parents and myself (and Daniel), you knew you were loved as you were, and thus saw no real need to expend excessive effort toward polishing every step of your temple. Would that we all were able to feel so secure.
Talk to you later, honey; I’ve still got to recover a bit. Keep an eye on us, and wish us luck, we’re still going to need it.
Letters to Rachel 