Your Body Is Not a Project to Perfect

And is it actually true that it’s our choice what we do with them?...

God created us in His image! If you’re a new follower to my page, get ready to explore biblical truths supported by science.

But first, here is what the bible says:

”Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.“ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

• Now - if you read this first we all know that Paul is primarily addressing sexual sin, but this principle is universal. Our bodies are not our own and we have now become the dwelling place of the Presence of God, the Holy Spirit.

”And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.“ Romans 12:1-2

• Here we see the same theme and we know this starts internally. “Be transformed into a new person by changing the way we THINK”.
• Continued belief in absolute bodily autonomy blinds us to the profound union God offers, where our bodies become sacred vessels for His presence.

This shift in perspective isn't just internal; it extends to our actions, including HOW we care for our bodies.

Jesus offered His body for us - and we must choose to honor Him with ours, hosting His spirit in a worthy temple.

When we view our bodies through this lense, it becomes clear that taking care of our physical health isn't just about looking good or living longer.

It's an act of worship. It's a way of honoring God, showing gratitude for the life He has given us and acknowledging the Holy Spirit within us.

From the food we consume to the activities we participate in, we sometimes neglect the physical aspect of our beings.

When we eat healthily, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep & avoid sexual immorality or harmful behaviors, we are maintaining the temple that God has entrusted to us. We are showing respect for His creation and His sacrifice.

We are called to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including our physical health and wellness.

• And it goes deeper—it's about recognizing that our physical health is intertwined with living well spiritually.
• ▪️The key to understanding this biblical truth lies not in guilt, but in love.

Our loving God has granted us these beautiful, complex bodies to navigate our earthly existence. When we care for them, it's not out of fear of divine retribution but out of love for the One who created us.

Christians, don’t neglect your fundamental needs:

• Sleep Quality
• Water intake
• Gut health
• The Nervous system (and its role)
• Breath and mindfulness
• Nutrition
• Movement
• Mindsets & habits
• Brain Science (and the subconscious mind)

Why? Because it gears towards more quality experiences with GOD.

God made you this way. You were designed to experience HIM, be transformed into His LIKENESS, to carry His kingdom wherever you go.

Honoring God through healthy living isn’t just about the food we eat or the exercise we get. It's about nurturing a disciplined spirit that aligns our physical practices with our spiritual beliefs.

It’s about acknowledging that our bodies are vessels of the Holy Spirit and treating them accordingly.

This commitment to self-discipline in our physical lives often translates into increased discipline in other areas as well, including our prayer life, Bible study and service to others.

Caring for our bodies is not only an act of self-care, it's a commitment to the call of service.

The healthier we are, the more equipped we are to serve others in a way that embodies the ministry of Jesus and His disciples.

Let’s make intentional choices every day - remember, we are not in this race alone. We have the Holy Spirit within us, providing strength when we feel weak and guiding us towards choices that honor God.

And don’t worry, more will come on what God and science says about:

-The brain and subconscious mind

-The nervous system

-Mental health

Stay tuned!

Originally published February 8, 2024 on the Women Led By Faith blog as “What does the Bible say about our bodies?”. Archived here as originally written, with a new title.