How important is our body to the Lord?

According to the Greek culture during the time of the New Testament, man’s body was of little importance. Only the soul and the spirit were important.

According to the Hebrew culture the body is very important to the Lord. 

“And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).”

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Reasons why the body is important

1. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 the body is the temple (dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit. 
2. Our bodies are bought through Jesus’s death on the cross. 
3. Our bodies belong to Him – He is the legal owner. 

“I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.”

Romans 12:1

This is an earnest appeal to offer our body as a living, holy and acceptable sacrifice to God. This act is seen as a step of obedience and worship to God. 

“God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness…”

Genesis 1:26

Our bodies are the visible image of the invisible God. Together with our spirit and soul, we represent Him with our body. 

“…I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.”

3 John 1:2

Conclusion

Our physical health directly corresponds to our spiritual well-being. A high price was paid through the blood of Jesus for our body, soul and spirit. It is our responsibility to care for ourselves on all levels of our being.

“Acquaint now yourself with Him [agree with God and show yourself to be conformed to His will] and be at peace; by that [you shall prosper and great] good shall come to you.”

Job 22:21 

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, unless otherwise stated.