What is a Temple Steward?

I've been interested in the topic of Temple Stewardship for a couple years now, since before I even knew what it was called. I finally became aware of the name for it when I was at the Resurgence Theological Conference in February this year, the topic was addressed by a great speaker named Steve Crain.

So what is Temple Stewardship? Well first let me define the Christian doctrine of Stewardship. Stewardship is the concept that nothing we own actually belongs to us, but that it belongs to Jesus (God). And since it doesn't belong to us, but rather to Jesus, that means that we are to be managers of his possessions, and not simply consumers. This doctrine is taught mostly in regards to money.

Temple Stewardship then is the concept that our bodies do not belong to us. Jesus made it, died for it, redeemed it, is sanctifying it, and will one day glorify it (if you're a Christian) and therefore it is his body, and we are merely managers of it. And that being managers means taking care of our body: not letting it get overweight, working against sickness, and towards better function so that our body will be around for Jesus to use, and for our loved ones to enjoy.

Now I must address some things that this doesn't mean. First: it doesn't mean that everyone who doesn't look like Arnold Schwarzenegger is in sin, so long as you are working to maintain good function in your body, I honestly believe you aren't in sin. However if you are refusing to maintain your body, and just shoveling in any food in sight, then its possible that you are. Second: it does not mean that if you are sick, or get sick that you are in sin; or that if you get sick Jesus is punishing you. I do not hold with the "Health and Wealth" horse crap. It does mean though that if you come down with constant sickness, or some chronic disease like Type II Diabetes, it may be a result of your sin. However your sin is between you and Jesus, I cannot judge whether or not you're in sin.

This is my first blog, and I hope I've stated my purpose well. If you have any questions for me, or about this post, please comment, and I will do my best to respond.

God Bless