In five words Paul enunciates the basic principle of the Christian life: "You are not your own" (1 Cor. 6:19). Some of the Corinthian Christians were acting like they were autonomous, as if their lives had not been bought and paid for with the precious blood of Christ. Because they ignored this principle, they were practicing sexual immorality. Paul tells them that instead they ought to "glorify God with your body" (v. 20). But this principle has broader applications than just sexual purity.

You are not your own boss. Because we are Christ's, we are highly motivated as workers--it is the Lord Christ that we serve (Col. 3:24). This means doing all that is expected of us, and more. We will be honest and trustworthy because we love and respect Him who is our ultimate boss.

You are not your own banker. Both our ability to make money (Deut. 8:18) and our possessions themselves are gifts from God, so that we can be generous on every occasion (2 Cor. 9:11). Since our money belongs to Another, we learn to be content with it or without it, by Christ's strength (Phil. 4:11-13).

You are not your own lawyer. The old proverb, "He who represents himself has a fool for a client," could never be truer than in heaven's court. If we stand alone in that docket, we will surely be condemned (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). But thank God, we have an Advocate with the Father, who is effective, for He pleads the merits of His own life and His death (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 2:1-2). Wise clients will follow the advice of their lawyer.

Boss, banker, lawyer-in all of these roles and more, Christ is outstandingly successful, and you and I are miserable failures. Let's listen to Paul and stop trying to usurp these jobs. To do so is to insult the Lord who can do them so much better.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."