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Answer
The Bible discusses our physical bodies extensively. Genesis 1 details the unique manner in which God created the first man and woman. God brought the entire universe into existence by speaking “Let there be light,” and there was light ((Genesis 1:3,6, 9)). However, when forming man, God used the dust of the earth to shape Adam’s body. God then breathed life into Adam’s nostrils, and he became a living soul “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” ((Genesis 2:7)). Eve, the first woman, was later created from a rib taken from Adam’s side (Genesis 2:21-22). The physical bodies of man and woman were specifically designed by the Creator to house the spirit He breathed into them, reflecting His image. Scripture emphasizes God’s concern for our physical bodies and how we care for them “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” ((Romans 12:1)).
Issues with “body image” arise when we reject or take credit for God’s design. It is commendable to strive for the health and functionality of our bodies. However, excessive focus on our physical appearance can limit acceptance of diversity. Our body image is influenced by our culture’s standards of beauty. Each culture has its own definition of beauty. Most twentyFirst-century Americans would disagree with the African Zulu warrior’s concept of physical attractiveness. What Hollywood now considers beautiful would have been rejected by European aristocracy five hundred years ago. To despise our bodies is to despise the gift God has given us. However, to overemphasize our beauty or physique is to become prideful, and pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6).
Psalm 139:13–14 sets the standard for a healthy outlook on body image: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” If we are fearfully and wonderfully made, then that leaves no room for disagreement with our Creator’s design. Isaiah 45:9 says, “Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’” Even those with bodies that do not function normally can be thankful for the body they do have, knowing they can also bring glory and pleasure to God with their bodies, just as anyone can. We were each created for His glory and His pleasure «for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: », (Colossians 1:16). Our physical bodies are part of His plan for us, and a healthy body image sees the physical being as a gift from a loving God.
When we give our lives to Jesus, our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20). As followers of Christ, we are to treat our bodies with reverence and respect, as belonging to Him (Romans 6:12-13). We are told some specific ways weWe can do that by avoiding gluttony, “Be not among winebibbers; Among riotous eaters of flesh” (Proverbs 23:20), abstaining from strong drink (Isaiah 5:22; Proverbs 20:1); remaining sexually pure (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3); and controlling our words (Proverbs 12:22; Colossians 4:6).
Our body image should be based on only one factor: does the way I present my body indicate that my life is dedicated to the glory of God? When God’s glory is our goal, we can have confidence and pleasure in our physical appearance, regardless of society’s standards, knowing that we are pleasing the only One whose opinion matters, “The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: And their inheritance shall be forever” (Psalm 37:18).
