The word temple in these two verses is also translated as sanctuary. You are the temple of and a sanctuary for God. Isn’t that exciting? The Holy Spirit of God lives; dwells inside of you. The old days of the tent of meeting and the Ark of the Covenant have passed. The Holy One has a new temple, you. Imagine that. The holy temple of God is you. The Holy Spirit has come to make His Home in you. That is astounding. Sometimes we look over these things because we have heard them before but just think about how remarkable that really is.
And this new temple is holy to God. Anyone who destroys the temple will likewise be destroyed. You are special to God in all ways, even your body is special to Him. So, you have a responsibility to guard the temple so that no one does it harm. You are not to serve your body but rather serve God. But, at the same time, you are not to abuse your body nor allow anyone else to. If you allow it, then you are answerable to God. If someone else causes harm to your body, God’s temple, then they must answer to God.
Wherever you go, there goes also the holy sanctuary of God. God’s holy temple is with you at work. His holy sanctuary goes into the presence of everyone you meet. His holy presence is with you wherever you go. That is a very exciting truth, but it might also be a bit sobering. Are there some places you have gone recently that you think wouldn’t be completely appropriate for the holy tabernacle.
The Bible tells us to worship God in Spirit and truth. Let us keep in mind that His Spirit is living inside our bodies and that our bodies are holy to him. Don’t mistreat your body. Take care of it as part of your service to the Lord. And don’t overlook your importance to God. He has made you his holy temple. That sounds very important to me.