God’s Perspective On Our Bodies

Do you enjoy beginning your day with healthy inspiration? As I drink my morning beverage, I intentionally ensure my day begins with inspiration and proper motivation. For decades, structured Bible reading has been my early morning avenue for rewarding wellness and smile inspiration.

You know what really hit me during my morning devotional time recently? I was reading through Genesis, and it struck me – before anything else went sideways in Eden, God looked at these bodies He’d created and called them “very good.” That completely transforms how I approach fitness training with myself and my clients.

Please allow me to share something that changed my whole perspective on health and exercise. I was working with a client who’d spent years battling body shame. She knew all the right Christian answers, but she still couldn’t shake the feeling that her body was somehow wrong. During one session, we sat down and really dug into what Scripture says about our physical selves. It was like watching a light bulb turn on as she began to see her body through God’s eyes rather than culture’s lens.

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of combining faith with fitness: God’s view of our bodies is radically different from the world’s perspective. In my office, I’ve got 1 Samuel 16:7 posted near my desk: “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” It’s not just a nice quote – it’s a complete paradigm shift in how we approach physical health.

The concept of being “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) isn’t just a feel-good verse. It’s a profound truth that should revolutionize our approach to fitness. When I’m designing workout programs for myself and others, I start with this foundation: we’re working with bodies that God himself crafted with intention and a worthy purpose.

Something that really gets me excited is helping clients understand the temple concept from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. This isn’t about achieving some perfect aesthetic – it’s about honoring God with these physical forms He’s entrusted to us. I remember one client who completely transformed his approach to exercise when he started viewing it as an act of worship rather than punishment.

Let me tell you about a mistake I made early in my career. I used to separate “spiritual” training from physical training, as if they were two different things. But God’s perspective on our bodies shows us that physical stewardship is deeply spiritual. When we exercise, eat well, and rest properly, we’re caring for something God considers precious.

Here’s something practical I’ve learned: understanding God’s perspective changes how we set goals. Instead of focusing solely on appearance-based metrics, we can ask questions like “How can I better serve God with this body?” or “What does good stewardship look like for me?” It’s amazing how this shifts the entire training experience.

The world bombards us with messages about our bodies that directly contradict God’s truth. I’ve had clients bring in social media posts showing “ideal” bodies, and we’ve had to work through replacing those lies with God’s truth. His perspective on our bodies never changes with trends or seasons – it’s eternal and unchanging.

One thing that breaks my heart is seeing believers struggle with body shame while knowing intellectually that God loves them. There’s often this disconnect between what we believe spiritually and how we treat our physical selves. That’s why I invest time helping family, friends, and clients, align their self-talk with God’s words about them.

I’ve noticed something powerful in my years of wellness training: when people truly grasp God’s perspective on their bodies, sustainable change follows naturally. It’s like the difference between forcing a plant to grow and creating the right conditions for it to flourish. Understanding God’s view creates the perfect environment for healthy changes to take root.

The resurrection of Jesus has huge implications for how we view our bodies. It shows us that God cares about physical matter – so much so that He designed us to have glorified bodies in eternity. That adds a whole new dimension to how we approach physical health in the present.

Let me share a specific practice that’s helped many family, friends, and clients: starting each workout with gratitude. Not just general thankfulness, but specifically thanking God for what our bodies can do. Whether it’s the ability to lift weights, walk, or simply breathe, there’s always something to appreciate. We all have specific physical challenges to overcome.

Sometimes I think about how Jesus lived in a human body – He knows exactly what it’s like to experience physical limitations, fatigue, and hunger. That means He understands our struggles with our bodies in a deeply personal way. Isn’t it amazing to think that the God of the universe chose to take on physical form? What a blessing we have to be able to ask for and receive His help.

Your body isn’t a mistake or a problem to be solved – it’s a masterpiece created by God himself. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’ve been at it for years, I encourage you to view your physical self through His eyes. It changes everything.

What verses or truths about God’s perspective on our bodies have been most meaningful in your own journey? I’d love to hear how understanding His view and direction for your life has impacted your approach to physical health.

Thanks for reading this blog. 

WWR, Prov 3:5-6