Glorify God in Your Body

A Christian View of the Body

Have you ever thought of your body as unimportant in the Christian life? This way of thinking, while common, is not from God’s Word.

Centuries ago, a group known as the Gnostics believed that the physical world, including our bodies, was inherently evil. They saw the spirit as good and the body as a prison to escape.

The Bible offers a radically different perspective. It doesn’t speak of escaping our bodies, but of the redemption of our bodies at the final resurrection (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4, Romans 8). Our bodies matter. They’re an essential part of who we are, both now and forever.

Instruments of Righteousness

Romans 6 tells us that when we believe in Jesus, our entire person is united to Christ in death and resurrection. Our bodies are now for serving the Savior, not sin.

Paul puts it this way: “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness" (Romans 6:13 ESV).

Holy Temples, Bought with a Price

This truth is echoed in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Think about that: your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and your whole person, body and soul, was bought with the blood of Christ! You are not your own anymore.

So What?

So, how do these truths impact our everyday lives? First and foremost, this means we should not use our bodies to sin: sexual sin, lust, gluttony, substance abuse, self-indulgence, violence, angry outbursts, gossip, slander, inappropriate speech, theft. We should use it to do God’s will.

Secondly, it implies that we should intentionally care for our bodies.

This isn't about achieving perfect health (impossible!), a perfect physique, looking good, boosting self-esteem, idolizing health, or reversing aging. We can’t avoid physical decline and suffering in this fallen world. There are many things we can’t control.

Rather, this is about redemption, stewardship, and service – recognizing that your body is blood-bought, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, destined for resurrection, and the one vessel you have to live out your new life in Christ.

Taking good care of your body is an act of worship, and also a way to love others. It prepares your body to serve God and others (e.g. spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, co-workers, neighbors, local community, the nations).

So, don’t ignore, neglect, or trash your body. Give it proper rest, nourishment, exercise, and professional care. Are you thinking Christianly about your body? Are you caring for it appropriately without fear or idolatry? Join me in evaluating how to better prepare the body for spiritual service.