Does God care about your body?
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to overlook the significance of our physical bodies. We often prioritize our spiritual and emotional well-being while unintentionally neglecting the vessel through which we experience this world. It’s essential to recognize that our bodies are not mere shells; they hold immense value and significance in the eyes of our Creator.
Today, I want to reflect on the question: Why does God care about your body? Let’s explore three beautiful truths that remind us of God’s profound love for every aspect of our being.
- God’s Creation: Masterfully Designed When God formed the first human being, Adam, from the dust of the earth, He breathed life into his nostrils (Genesis 2:7). Our bodies are not accidental; they are divinely designed. God, the master craftsman, intricately wove every fiber of our being, ensuring we reflect His image (Genesis 1:27). Our bodies are a marvelous creation, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). They enable us to engage with the world, serve others, and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
- Temples of the Holy Spirit As followers of Christ, our bodies have a unique significance. The apostle Paul reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). This truth emphasizes the sacredness of our physical selves. Our bodies are not separate from our spiritual journey but intimately connected. By caring for our bodies, we honor the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within us and create an environment conducive to experiencing God’s presence.3. Instruments for Kingdom Work God cares about our bodies because they are instruments for His Kingdom’s work. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This verse convicted me to stop my weightloss journey and start a journey to honor my temple. Our bodies are tools for expressing love, kindness, and compassion. Whether it’s through our hands reaching out to help, our voices proclaiming His truth, or our feet taking us to places where God’s light is needed, our bodies become vessels through which God’s love is shared.
How do we “walk” that out? Live it out daily? Here are some practical steps that I have found took my focus off the goals and led me to a place where I desire to honor my temple as a living sacrifice and to glorify the Lord. Now that we understand why God cares about our bodies let’s consider how we can honor Him in this area:
- Nourish:
Feed your body with healthy, nutritious food that sustains and energizes you. I call it plating your plate with living food versus dying food. Living food is just that plants and protein that once had life. Genesis 1 tells us all that we need to survive on this earth. It’s the ultimate plan or guide. - Exercise:
Engage in physical activities that promote strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. We were made to move. Adam was cursed to hard labor, and Eve was his helper. Our bodies were made to do enduring hard work. Our modern society has allowed us to live a convenient life, and moving is not a necessity but a luxury for some. In order to challenge our bodies, we go to a warehouse filled with gym equipment to challenge ourselves, and that is optional. We take for granted daily the amazing design God has given us in the movement of our body. - Rest: Allow your body to recharge by prioritizing sufficient sleep and restful breaks. Rest is as important as nourishment, not optional. Many of us don’t rest on Sabbath; God commanded us to rest. It’s to take care of this body. Even God rested, yet we don’t. Check out my post on the importance of rest.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and functioning optimally. Hydration is key to the function of our bodies. Check out my post on the essentials of water.
- Listen: Pay attention to the signals your body’s signals, and address any physical needs or concerns promptly. The more you care for your body, the more aware you become. Many people don’t know the difference between hunger and thirst cues. Or other foundational biological functions. If you treat your body like an afterthought. Take advantage of the fact that you only get one; your body will keep the score and repay you threefold. Take time to listen and address your body’s needs.
- Worship: Offer prayers of gratitude for the remarkable gift of your body and invite God to guide you in caring for it. We were made to worship. That is why we were created, the reason for God’s gift, and what we were called to do. You can not worship without praise. Think of that when you look in the mirror and complain about God’s wonderful and unique design.
Remember, taking care of your body is not about vanity or worldly standards of beauty. It’s about acknowledging God’s value on this earthly vessel and ensuring it remains in a condition that allows you to fulfill His purpose.
May this reflection remind us of the incredible truth that our bodies are not insignificant to God? Let’s honor Him by caring for our bodies as an act of worship, gratitude, and stewardship.
Have you ever considered why God cares about your body?