The Concept Of Being Created In God’s Image

A Personal Trainer’s Faith-Based Perspective

Do you know what ultimately transformed my approach to fitness training? It was the day I truly internalized what Genesis 1:27 means. “And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” When I started seeing each friend and client who walked through my training studio doors as an image-bearer of God, it revolutionized how I approached every training session and meeting.

Let me share something that hit me hard early in my career. I was training Maria, a client who struggled with severe body image issues. During one session, she looked in the mirror and muttered, “I hate what I see.” That’s when it struck me – she wasn’t just criticizing her body; she was unknowingly dismissing God’s craftsmanship. It became my mission to help clients understand the profound dignity of being made in God’s image.

Here’s what years of faith-based training has taught me about the imago dei (that’s fancy theological talk for “image of God”). It’s not just about our physical bodies – it’s about our whole being. When we exercise, we’re not just building muscle or burning fat. We’re developing the capacity to better reflect God’s characteristics: strength, endurance, discipline, and stewardship.

I remember working with Pastor Greg, who had an “aha moment” during one of our training sessions. He realized that viewing himself as God’s image-bearer meant his physical health mattered for ministry. It wasn’t vanity – it was about being fully equipped to serve. That perspective shift changed everything about how he approached our training. We also reviewed scriptures we enjoyed about our bodies as Temples of God.

The fitness industry can really mess with people’s heads about their worth. But understanding we’re created in God’s image gives us an unshakeable foundation. Biblical foundations reminds everyone that their value isn’t in their bench press numbers or body fat percentage – it’s in their Creator.

Something practical I’ve learned: starting each session by acknowledging our status as image-bearers changes the entire workout atmosphere. Instead of pushing through exercises with self-loathing, clients begin moving with purpose and dignity. It’s amazing how theology and honest discussions about our daily lives can transform training.

Let me be real – I’ve made mistakes along the way and still do. Early on, I sometimes focused too much on physical transformation without addressing the deeper identity issues. Now I know that true transformation starts with understanding who we are in Christ and whose image we bear.

Here’s what really gets me excited: when clients grasp that being made in God’s image means their bodies have purpose beyond aesthetics. We’re designed to reflect God’s glory, and that includes how we steward our physical selves. This truth frees us from both neglect and obsession.

The concept of being God’s image-bearers impacts every aspect of fitness training. It influences how we set goals, how we talk about our bodies, and even how we approach recovery. Rest isn’t lazy – it’s following the pattern of our Creator who rested on the seventh day.

One powerful tool I use with friends and clients is having them pray through their workouts. Not just quick “help me get through this” prayers, but thoughtful reflection on how each movement can help them better reflect God’s character. It’s amazing how this mindset transforms difficult exercises into acts of worship. Often I review bible verses I enjoy for uplifting motivation and share them with my workout partner or client.

If you’re struggling with your fitness journey, try viewing it through the lens of being God’s image-bearer. Ask yourself: “How can my physical health help me better reflect God’s character? How can I steward this body He’s given me to bring Him glory?” Are my workouts growing me stronger and allowing more quality family time especially with my children or grandchildren? 

Remember, you’re not just working out – you’re developing and enhancing the vessel God designed to bear His image in this world. That makes every rep, every mile, and every healthy choice an opportunity to honor Him.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. How has understanding yourself as God’s image-bearer impacted your approach to physical health and fitness? What challenges do you face in maintaining this perspective in a culture that often promotes very different values?

Thank you for reading this blog. I pray you enjoy a healthy day.

WWR Proverbs 3: 3-6