“Food for the stomach, and the stomach for food”–but God will destroy them both (1 Corinthians 6:13a).

The Corinthians were just full of pithy little sayings like this.

First it was, “Everything is permissible for me.” Paul agreed, but pointed out that not every habit is helpful, and some are downright dangerous.

“Food for the stomach, and the stomach for food” was a way of saying that just as food comes and goes (no need to picture that) without affecting my spiritual self–my true self–so anything else I do with my body is unrelated to my spiritual life. Again, Paul conceded the point with regards to food, but then reminds the Corinthians that God is ultimately in charge of food and stomach and everything else. 

See, here’s the thing: the Corinthians aren’t really talking about food. They’re talking–prepare yourself, Beloved–they’re talking about sex. Yep, they’re trying to make the case that, just like food, sexy time happens in the flesh but does not affect the spirit. Tune in Monday, and we’ll see what Paul has to say about that.

But I’m guessing you already have an idea.

Happy Friday, Beloved