Alone is Not the Truth

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God
and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 
God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple.
For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
(1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT)

Have you ever noticed that in books or movies when the antagonist is chasing after the hero and has them cornered, they will say something along the lines of, “You have no friends to help you; you are alone and I’m out to get you.” 

That’s one of the lies we can so easily believe—that we are alone. 

Here’s how this lie shows up in my head: 

•  No one cares about this
•  No one else has these kinds of questions
•  No one is going to come to your party
•  No one going to read your book/blog/post
•  You are alone in your feelings, thoughts, passions, etc. You have no one to help you. You might as well quit.

Mind you, it’s not always that bad—and I’ve certainly learned to recognize those thoughts before they paralyze me (thank you, coaching!). But friends, this is why Scripture is so important! It helps us identify the lies we believe, and gives us truth to fill the void.

Paul writes, “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?"

I am the temple of God (and so are you!). This tells me that even if I feel alone, I am not alone. Having God’s Spirit living in me gives me God’s direction and protection at all times. The Spirit helps me know where to go, what to do, and even what to say. So if God is directing those things in my life, then I’m not alone in anything I do.

Furthermore, the steps that I take in obedience to him will bear fruit because he is directing it. So the lie that you are alone and no one else cares is broken down by the truth in Scripture. This truth is that God is present in my life—my very body even—through the Holy Spirit so everything I do in obedience to him bears fruit. (“Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can’t do a thing. John 15:5 TLB).

Paul writes next, “God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple.”

You can have faith that God values you so much that he will destroy anyone who destroys you. So when the enemy comes and tells you his lies, you can be confident that one day, that devil will be destroyed. The truth is that God loves you, he has deposited his Spirit in you, and he will have vengeance on anyone seeking to destroy you (Romans 12:19-21). You may not see that vengeance today, but you can trust that your enemy will not win. 

This is deep stuff. 

Here's how you can apply it to your life --> spend some time journaling or thinking about the following questions. Then use what you learn to battle other lies.

• How does this lie that you are alone show up in your life?
• In what way does God’s truth that you are not alone give you peace or encouragement?
• What other lies show up in your thoughts?
• What Scripture can you find that breaks down that lie and fills you with truth?