God made our physical bodies and, at the same time, we are spiritual beings. As Christians, we are called the Body of Christ. God has made your life to be shared with the family of God - your heart, mind, spirit, and even your body. Did you know your body is not your own? Why did God design you this way, and how is it part of God's purpose for you to share this part of your being: your physical energy, attention, priorities, and activities?
In this article, we will look at how to relate to each other as One Body and how to take care of our own physical bodies. By learning and following what the Bible says about this topic, you can reflect Christ through how you view and use your body, resulting in true freedom and fulfillment.
In this article, we will look at how to relate to each other as One Body and how to take care of ourselves. By learning and following what the Bible says about this topic, you can reflect Christ through how you view and use your body, resulting in true freedom and fulfillment.
Relating to Each Other
In 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, Paul writes, in part:
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? ... You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This passage emphasizes that we are One with God and that our bodies are meant to reflect Christ.
Oneness with God
When Paul talks about our bodies being members of Christ, he’s highlighting the idea of oneness. Just like in a marriage where two become one flesh, we are meant to be one with Christ. This means that our bodies, our energy, and our activities are all part of how we live out God’s purpose.
Every action we take with our bodies can be an act of worship. Whether it's working, playing, resting, or serving others, we’re doing it all as part of our relationship with Christ. It is a beautiful thing!
Your Body Is Not Your Own
Our bodies are part of something bigger than fulfilling our every whim or self-centered pursuits. They’re temples in which the Holy Spirit dwells, and they’re meant to be used for God's purposes. Think about it like this: if you borrow something precious from a friend, you take good care of it, right? The same goes for our bodies. They’re on loan from God, and we’re responsible for using them in ways that honor Him.
Living as One Body in Christ
In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds us:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:27
We are meant to share the essence of our beings with the community of believers. We are all members of One Body, and are, therefore, called to serve and honor each other. This means that our physical presence, our time, and our energy are meant to benefit others and build up the community.
Imagine a world where everyone used their abilities and energy to help one another. It would be a place of support, love, and mutual respect. By viewing our bodies as part of the larger body of Christ, we can contribute to creating such a world.
Sharing with Your Spouse
For those who are married, Paul has some interesting advice. He says in 1 Corinthians:
“The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.” - 1 Corinthians 7:4
Rather than being about control, this instruction is about mutual respect, partnership, unity, and shared purpose. When you view your body as something to be shared with your spouse, it changes the dynamic of your relationship. It fosters intimacy, trust, and a deeper connection.
Related: 4 Benefits of Reading the Bible Daily with Your Wife
Taking Care of Your Body
Let's look again at Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 6:
“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
Your Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, taking care of them is important. We are not to neglect our physical needs. This includes making healthy lifestyle choices, like, staying active and being mindful of what we consume. A healthy body helps us more effectively fulfill God’s purposes.
We can honor God by eating well, exercising, getting enough rest, and avoiding harmful substances. When we feel good physically, we’re better equipped to serve others and live out our calling.
Related: 1-Year Bible Reading Series for Healthy Living
Cleaning House & Being Filled with the Spirit
In Ephesians 5:1-21, Paul says, in part:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time...And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit...
Is it time to clean house? Maybe. Just like maintaining a home requires regular upkeep, our bodies and minds need attention too.
Are there areas in your life that need a little tidying up? Are there physical habits or attitudes about others that need to be swept away? Are you consuming things that uplift and strengthen, or things that drag you or others down?
Ask God to help you identify and clean out those dusty corners so you can be a healthy, vibrant dwelling place for His Spirit; and, as you do this, ask Him to help you walk in the fullness of His Spirit. By regularly “cleaning house" and walking in the Spirit's fullness, you make room for God to work more fully in your life.
Embracing Your Purpose
In Galatians, Paul says:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” - Galatians 2:20
What it All Means for You
Your body is not your own. Living for Christ means using your body in ways that honor Him. It means finding joy in serving others, supporting your spouse, using your talents to bless those around you, and living with purpose. When you see your body as an instrument of God's love, every action takes on new meaning. By taking on God's perspective, you will open yourself up to the incredible freedom and purpose that God has for you.
Key Takeaways
- Oneness with Christ: Embrace the oneness with Christ, understanding that your body is part of a bigger purpose (1 Corinthians 6:15-20).
- Every action can be an act of worship.
- Live out God’s purpose with your body.
- Your Body Is a Temple: Remember that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, meant to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
- Take care of your body through healthy choices.
- Use your body to honor God in all you do.
- Community Focus: Live as part of the body of Christ, serving and honoring others with your presence, time, and energy (1 Corinthians 12:27).
- Use your physical abilities to benefit others.
- Build up the community with your actions.
- Mutual Respect in Marriage: In marriage, your body is shared with your spouse in a relationship of mutual respect and unity (1 Corinthians 7:4)
- Foster intimacy and trust through mutual respect.
- View your body as part of a partnership.
- Healthy Living: Take care of your body as a way to honor God and fulfill His purposes more effectively.
- Make choices that enhance your health.
- Avoid harmful substances and habits.
- Clean House & Fullness of Spirit: Regularly assess and clean up areas of your life that need attention, making room for God’s Spirit to dwell more fully.
- Evaluate what you consume mentally and physically.
- Remove anything that hinders your spiritual growth.
Thanks for reading this! If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to share them in the comments. See you next time!
Next Steps
Do you want to learn more about reflecting Christ and building community with other Christians? Check out these articles:
- 5 Ways Christian Community Can Help You Grow
- Three Secrets to Living a Live that Glorifies God
- Should You Watch Shows with Explicit Content As a Christian
- Is Swearing Wrong for a Christian?
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