Worship Begins with Our Bodies
I’m singing to the choir – but sometimes reminders help us go the distance!
If we’re ready to see change in our finances, emotions, relationships — or just in our overall presence — Paul the Apostle has a surprising place to start – with our body.
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Wait, what? Worship…with our bodies?
I’ve seen plenty folks worshiping their bodies — gym selfies, protein powders, counting reps like it’s a part-time job. But that’s not what Paul meant. He’s talking about surrender. Devotion. Starting change from the outside in.
Because here’s the truth: our physiology affects our psychology. When our bodies are out of whack, our moods, motivation, and mission suffer too. A creaky back and a sugar crash can derail the most determined spiritual warrior!
And here’s the kicker: living sacrifices tend to crawl off the altar. We offer ourselves to God in the morning, and by mid-afternoon, we’ve snuck back into old habits. This isn’t a one-time event — it’s a lifestyle of moment-by-moment surrender.
So, what can we do for our body?
1. We cleanse it.
“Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit…” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
That means what we watch, listen to, and consume — mentally and physically — matters. Trash in, trash out. Truth in, transformation follows.
2. We care for it.
“No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it…”
(Ephesians 5:29)
Energy for change starts with health. Even Jesus needed rest and nourishment — so do we!
3. We control it.
“Each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” (1 Thessalonians 4:4)
That “I can’t help myself” excuse? It doesn’t hold up in God’s gym. With the Holy Spirit, self-control is part of the package.
So where do we begin? Right here. Right now.
Let’s give God the best version of us — body, mind, and spirit.
Cleanse it. Care for it. Control it.
It’s worship. It’s wisdom. And it just might be our fresh start.
Want to change your life? Let’s start with our body.
Not for a beach body, but for a bold body — one surrendered to God. Cleanse it. Care for it. Control it. Romans 12:1 says it’s worship, not workout!
Let’s offer our everyday selves — aches, stretch marks, and all — to the One who made us!