"Chew"

It was me and Billy Carter,

And we had some chores to do,

I finally got my courage up,

And asked him for a chew.

He smiled and said why sure you can,

Flipped open that Case knife,

Reached into his pocket,

And handed me a slice.

He said don’t ever swallow,

As I took from him that bit,

I watched him very closely,

‘Fore I started I might quit.

‘Cause I’d heard friends talk about it,

And how it made ‘em sick,

When they forgot to spit enough,

It really gave a kick.

And one friend climbed upon his horse,

After taking a big chaw,

His pony bucked he swallowed hard,

Worst thing you ever saw.

So I was really careful,

When that Bull of the Woods,

Burned real strong inside my mouth,

I did the best I could.

And prolly you are waitin’,

For how sick it made me feel,

But truth to tell it never did,

And that’s no lie for real.

My parents never smoked or drank,

They were good old Baptist strong,

But all the cowboys did it,

So it couldn’t be that wrong.

And even our old preacher,

When he came to wet a hook,

I’d see him usin’ Red Man,

When he didn’t think I’d look.

Years went by, an older man,

I’m now through with that stuff,

I guess of Skoal and Beechnut,

I’ve finally had enough.

And after my two heart attacks,

I gave up Marlboro Lights,

I had to find a better way,

To relieve my uptights.

This old body is God’s temple,

And St. Paul made it clear,

So I’m really tryin’,

To go healthier, my dear.

But I don’t fuss with chewers,

Or if you smoke or drink,

That’s ‘tween you and Jesus,

Least that’s just what I think.

But if they cut you off a plug,

And you think you want a chew,

Chew it but don’t eat it,

You’ll be sorry if you do.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, NAS)

The ancient temple in Jerusalem was the designated place of worship and sacrifice for God’s people. It was also where the presence of God was acknowledged in the Holy of holies. But as we know, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died and gave us full access to the Father. And instead of a building or place that housed God’s presence, He came to live within us by His Spirit when we believed. He indwells our bodies and will live the life of Jesus through us if we cooperate. That’s why it’s so important for us to acknowledge God’s ownership of our lives and bodies. We are His temple indeed!

Lord, help us to honor You with our bodies, in Jesus’ name.

Personal photo.