The Body Inherently Evil

For years the body has been viewed as inherently evil—a vessel we had to live in until it returned from whence it came. Yet, this is the same body in which the Holy Spirit of God lives. The Apostle Paul calls it the “temple” which we were to honor because of its purpose. A minister once told me that Jesus died for our souls not our bodies. Such thinking clearly opposes Paul’s view who claims that our bodies were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). The price for our bodies was Christ’s crucifixion. He redeemed not only our souls but won back our bodies as well. Because we were designed to be one entity– body, mind and spirit, Christ’s death and resurrection meant redemption for our entire being.

The Consequences of Ignoring the Body
Therefore, as one cannot ignore the soul, one cannot act as if the body does not exist. Such an attitude gets us in trouble. Though spiritually fed, the body of Christ has become physically unhealthy, believing that only matters of the soul count whilst losing parts of its members to cardiovascular diseases and other avoidable ailments. Does Christ heal? I believe He undoubtedly does. However, there are physical and spiritual laws governing our bodies.

Eating Clean Food

Our bodies cannot be defiled because of the Holy Spirit of God that resides within. Paul admonishes the believer to flee, especially, sexual sin. We cannot do or put anything in the body unclean. And that includes food, for example. Food? Yes, food such as junk food. “Junk” means garbage. A diet based on fried foods, processed meats, cookies, cakes will eventually breakdown the temple. Ask yourself “what happens when you put unclean fuel in your car?” Or your Mercedes Benz or BMW for that matter? These types of cars require optimum fuel. In other words, your car will eventually incur problems as a result. Likewise, the body will inevitably begin to splutter and cough like an old car. However, for the Bible, quantity is just as important as quality as well.

Practicing Moderation

As believers, we are also to practice moderation. We are to consider our portions or the amount we eat or drink. Do we really need all of that food on our plate? If we continue to over feed our physical appetite, we put it at odds with the spiritual appetite. In other words, instead of the body and the spirit working in harmony to carry out the plan of God, they become in direct competition. If the body is fed too much of anything, it will self-destruct, leaving the spirit without a house.

To understand the importance of respecting the body is the first step towards living a healthy lifestyle. Until the Holy Spirit’s place of habitat is treated with honor, we cannot expect to live the abundant life that Christ suffered, died and was resurrected for.