ODJ: Bodies Matter

August 2, 2016 

READ: Genesis 2:4-25  

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person (v.7).

The Week magazine features a “What’s Next?” column based on current events. In a recent issue they asked readers to submit answers to a question based on this comment from chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain: “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” The question was: “What would be a good name for a theme park ride based on the typical American’s body?”

Here were some of the best answers: Cholester-Roll, Plumper Cars, Tunnel of Love Handles, The Tragic Kingdom, and SORRY—ride closed due to poor maintenance. Though funny, these answers focus on the fact that many people in America—as well as around the world—are poor stewards of their bodies.

The Bible, however, clearly calls us to honour God with our bodies. One primary reason is because He made them. He formed Adam from the “dust of the ground” and made him a “marvellous” living person (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 139:14). God’s creation of this first man established Him as the owner of Adam’s body as well as ours. And so He set the rules for the way Adam and subsequent generations should care for and use them.

Another reason to honour God with our bodies is because of the high price Jesus paid for our lives. He died, giving His body for the salvation of our whole person—including the physical part. We’re not our own; all that we are belongs to God.

Finally, since our bodies are the “temple of the Holy Spirit”, we’re obligated to use them to honour God (1 Corinthians 6:1920). This includes cleansing ourselves from everything that makes our bodies impure, devoting them completely to God to be used for what is good and right, and training them to do what they should—bring honour and worship to Him (Romans 12:1).

—Marvin Williams

365-day plan: Luke 11:1-13

MORE
Read Matthew 6:25-32 and see what Jesus says about how we should care for our bodies. 
NEXT
On a scale of 1-10, how well do you honour God with your body? What are some things you should stop and start doing to better honour Him with it?