Christians Must Value the Human Body

In a time when much of society seems to be drifting away from physical presence and into virtual alternatives, one of the most controversial and overlooked aspects of our humanity is our physical body. In 2025, we are deeply entangled in debates about sexuality and gender, struggling with remote lifestyles, and inundated with technological marvels that promise ease but often steal our vitality. Yet, amid this, the Christian perspective calls us back to the earth, to the dust from which we were formed, and to the God who shaped us with intention and love.

Our Bodies in the Age of Technology

The rapid rise of technology hasn’t surprised God. Genesis 1:28 reminds us that we were made to cultivate and subdue the earth, which includes the raw materials for every modern innovation. But these tools are not neutral; they either draw us toward or away from God’s design. The proliferation of AI, automation, and sedentary living challenges our stewardship of the most incredible creation in the cosmos: ourselves.

The Christian vision for living today must include a return to honoring the human body not as an idol, but as a vehicle through which we glorify our Creator. Studies show that the average American adult now spends over 10 hours a day in front of screens, and less than 23% of adults meet CDC guidelines for weekly physical activity. These statistics signal more than a health crisis they reflect a spiritual misalignment.

Created from the Ground, for God’s Glory

From dust we came and to dust we will return. But while we live, our bodies are meant to reflect God’s glory. Our bodies are not mistakes or accessories to our spiritual lives. The apostle Paul boldly affirms, “The body is... meant for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” (1 Corinthians 6:13). It is no coincidence that God chose to take on human flesh in Jesus Christ, redeeming us not only spiritually but bodily.

To live a fully human life means to embrace our embodiment. As technology tempts us to disconnect from our physical presence, the Gospel reorients us: God made our bodies, sin corrupted them, Christ redeemed them, and the Holy Spirit indwells them. The path of Christian faith is not one of disembodied spirituality, but one of holistic worship soul and body alike.

A Christian Framework for Exercise and Movement

The emphasis on bodily stewardship becomes even clearer when we consider exercise not merely as a fitness trend but as a spiritual discipline. Physical training, according to 1 Timothy 4:8, has some value. And even in Paul’s day, when life was inherently more active, this was acknowledged. How much more true for our digital age?

As Christians, our motivation for exercise shifts. We don't move to impress others or chase vanity but to better serve God and others. Here are a few biblical principles for how physical movement intersects with our spiritual lives:

1. God is for your body. He created it, redeemed it, and will raise it. Your bodily life matters now and forever.

2. God commends exertion. Laziness is a spiritual threat (Proverbs 21:25). Work and physical effort are part of our calling.

3. Spiritual health is ultimate, but physical health is valuable. Exercise is not everything, but it is something especially when done with a heart tuned toward God.

Ten Maxims for Christian Exercise

Let’s dive deeper into the practice of honoring God through physical movement:

1. We were made to move and to meditate. Rhythmic activity aligns with how God designed us: thinkers and doers, contemplators and movers.

2. No body is perfect. All bodies are marred by sin and imperfection. Gratitude, not comparison, should be our posture.

3. Modern life is unnaturally sedentary. Compared to ancient times, our movement is minimal. Intentional exercise becomes essential.

4. Fitness is a spiritual tool. Are you “ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1)? Physical readiness can aid spiritual mission.

5. Christian fitness is about doing good, not looking good. Your good works—not your muscle tone bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

6. Exercise is an acquired taste. The joy of movement often grows with consistency. Start small, stay steady.

7. Exercise boosts brain function. Studies show it enhances cognition and emotional health, supporting spiritual clarity.

8. Training the body trains the will. Physical discipline nurtures perseverance and self-control fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

9. Change takes time. Small, sustained effort beats dramatic but fleeting intensity. Long obedience bears fruit.

10. Pray for your physical life. First Timothy 4:4–5 teaches us to receive bodily activities with thanksgiving and consecrate them through prayer.

Becoming Fully Human Again

In a culture that increasingly downplays the physical, we are called to be unusually human. That means embracing our God-given embodiment, not rejecting it or replacing it with screens and digital echoes. It means stewarding our bodies not as a burden, but as a blessing and sacred trust.

The ultimate challenge of our age isn’t building better machines, but living better lives embodied, humble, active, and godly. So let us seek not just to be fit, but to be faithful, using every breath and step to bring honor to the One who made us.

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