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Lessons From A Personal Experience
I’ll admit it: I hadn’t been to the dentist in years. Despite knowing better, I neglected my oral care, and it finally caught up to me. At my appointment, I was diagnosed with gum disease and needed a deep cleaning. The road to treatment would involve more frequent visits and a lot of discomfort. To top it off, the cost of the cleaning was far more than I had anticipated.
As I sat there, processing the situation, I felt guilt for allowing things to get this bad. I resented the fact that I hadn’t made better choices when I had the chance. But as the visit went on, I realized I wasn’t alone. The dentist explained that approximately 80% of their patients deal with some level of the same condition. That realization brought a strange sense of comfort and perspective—my situation wasn’t unique, and there was still hope to move forward.
This experience taught me two important lessons:
- Caring for God’s temple, our bodies, is essential to honoring Him.
- The pain of starting a care regimen mirrors the process of breaking free from sin—difficult at first but leading to healing and peace.
Lesson 1: Taking Care of God’s Temple
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Neglecting my oral health reminded me of a greater truth: our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and how we care for them reflects our stewardship of God’s gifts. Ignoring their needs—whether it’s through poor hygiene, lack of exercise, or unhealthy habits—is ultimately a denial of care for God’s dwelling place.
Hearing the cost of the cleaning drove the point home. Neglect always comes with an unexpected cost. When we ignore God’s commands to care for ourselves—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—the consequences eventually catch up to us. And yet, God’s grace reminds us that it’s never too late to start again.
For me, the physical care step is clear: follow the dentist’s instructions to brush and floss regularly. But this experience also inspired a spiritual goal—to better care for my body so that I can honor and hear from God.
Lesson 2: The Pain of Change and the Power of Perseverance
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” — Hebrews 12:11
The initial deep cleaning process was painful, but it also brought clarity. The pain wasn’t just from the cleaning itself but from the consequences of years of neglect. Similarly, when we decide to step out of sin, the first steps are often the hardest. The discomfort and humility required to admit we’ve strayed can feel overwhelming.
But facing the pain to correct the problem is far easier than enduring the consequences of allowing the problem to continue. With perseverance and God’s grace, the healing process becomes manageable, and the things that once caused us pain no longer hold power over us.
I’ve also learned that we’re not alone in this journey. Just as the dentist shared that the majority of their patients face similar struggles, God reminds us that we’re not the only ones grappling with sin or neglect. In our humility, when we come to Him, we find grace and mercy to help us through—even for the problems we’ve created ourselves.
Practical Steps for Healing and Growth
Caring for the Body:
- Follow through with routine care, like brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.
- Commit to broader physical health goals, like eating well, exercising, and resting, as acts of stewardship.
Caring for the Spirit:
- Regularly examine your spiritual health. Are there areas of sin or neglect that need attention?
- Seek accountability and guidance from trusted individuals, such as pastors or mentors, to walk with you through the process of repentance and growth.
The Power of Starting Over
Neglect may bring pain and unexpected costs, but God’s grace gives us the opportunity to start again. Whether it’s physical care or spiritual growth, the journey forward begins with humility and perseverance. Some problems—even the ones we’ve created ourselves—require a high level of grace and wisdom to overcome. But when we take the first step, trusting God to guide us, we find that healing and transformation are possible.
Take a moment today to reflect:
- Are there areas of your life—physical or spiritual—that need attention?
- What’s one step you can take today to care for God’s temple?
Remember, starting over may feel hard at first, but with God’s help, the process becomes less daunting, and the peace it brings is worth every step.