God makes us his temple, centering all of life
in Christ’s grace and presence.
By Theo Okai, Ghana National Director and West Africa Regional Director
Accra, Ghana
Christians within our congregations in Ghana are often encouraged to be intentional in every aspect of life. Yet before we think about our own actions and intentions, we must remember God’s action and initiative. Our triune God made the first move toward humanity while we were still sinners. God has made us his dwelling place. By the Spirit, God has chosen to live within his people.
We Are God’s Temple
As the apostle Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 NLT, “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” God consecrates the Church as his holy temple. The Spirit resides in us, not by our effort, but by God’s grace. The Spirit empowers us so that God’s presence might be revealed in every part of our lives.
Because God is the One who makes his home in us, our lives are no longer ordinary. Because we are his Body, his temple, Jesus’ mission is our mission. The Spirit shapes our social life, our studies, our work, our families, our finances, and the use of our time, talents, and treasures. Whole-life stewardship is not first our task; it is God’s work in us through Christ.
Christ, the Center of All
At a pastors and spouses retreat, we introduced the “Christian Wheel of Life” to illustrate how Christ is the center from which every spoke of life extends. The blue dot at the center represents Jesus. Each spoke — whether relationships, work, finances, health, or ministry — finds its center in and draws its strength from Christ.
This model is not a chart for self-improvement. Instead, it is a reminder that Jesus, by the Spirit, touches every part of life. Our calling is not to build ourselves up by comparison with others, but to let Christ be the standard and source of our growth.
A Priesthood Under a Greater High Priest
Whole-life stewardship is only possible because Jesus is our High Priest. As Hebrews 8:6 reminds us, his ministry is “far superior” to the old covenant. He mediates for us a better covenant based on better promises. We do not serve in our own strength but in the power of his priesthood.
Therefore, stewardship as royal priesthood is not about working harder to prove ourselves; it is about participating in what Christ is already doing. God has stripped away sin’s power and invites us to run with endurance “by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
Conclusion: Growing by God’s Grace
Whole-life stewardship is a journey, but it is not a journey of self-reliance. It is God who makes us his temple, Christ who anchors every spoke of our lives, and the Spirit who equips us for service. As we grow, it is always in response to God’s generosity and grace. In fact, our response is only possible because Jesus first is the perfect response on our behalf!
So, brothers and sisters, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the One who grows us “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever!” (2 Peter 3:18).
