Craig Cooper

In many ways, our Lord’s promise of the future transformation of believers brings hope and speaks to our purpose in Christ. For instance, in Philippians 3:20-21, Paul reminds believers of a profound truth. “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Yet, we live here on Earth awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, “who will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” This hope is further illuminated in 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, where Paul describes the resurrection as a moment when our perishable, mortal bodies will be raised imperishable and immortal. Together, these passages provide a vision of our future transformation in Christ, offering hope and purpose for our lives today as we await eternity.

When Krista and I first married, we needed a kitchen table. A gracious family lent us a simple card table to use in the interim. When they later reclaimed it, they surprised us by gifting us their old kitchen table, which my wife decided to restore. That well-worn table was transformed into something beautiful and renewed through her efforts. This act of restoration reminds me of God’s promise to His people. When we come to Christ for salvation, He begins the work of making us new. However, our full restoration, which will occur at the resurrection of our bodies, has yet to happen. This future renewal is central to Christian hope.

God genuinely values our physical existence. So much so that those in Christ will experience a bodily resurrection. In his book For the Body, Timothy Tennent observes, “God created the material world and declared it good. The resurrection affirms His commitment to redeeming and restoring all creation, including our bodies.”

Philippians 3:20 declares, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Christians are citizens of heaven and, as such, are called to live as ambassadors of heaven, reflecting kingdom values in loving others and caring for creation. It also points to the glorious hope of Christ’s return, when He will transform us into His likeness. This physical and spiritual transformation will complete God’s redemptive work.

Philippians 3:21 describes how Christ will “transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 reveals that “the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Our resurrected bodies will no longer be subject to decay, pain, or sin. This transformation can be compared to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. While retaining its essence, the caterpillar is entirely changed, emerging as something more beautiful and free. Likewise, our resurrection will preserve our God-given identity while glorifying our bodies beyond imagination.

Jesus’ own resurrected body, as seen in the Gospels, was tangible yet glorified. He ate with His disciples and allowed Thomas to touch Him, yet He also walked through walls. This gives us a glimpse of our future bodies that will be physical yet perfected beyond our imagination.

In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Paul proclaims, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The resurrection guarantees Christ’s victory over death, a triumph we share with Him as believers. This life we now live will be far surpassed in breadth and depth by the one to come. In The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis describes the new creation as “the beginning of the real story,” illustrating that life in this world is merely the preface to an eternal, glorious adventure with God. This eternal hope inspires us to confidently face life’s challenges, including physical suffering.

Today, we are to live in light of the resurrection. Paul concludes in 1 Corinthians 15:58, urging us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” This promise transforms how we view our bodies, work, and relationships. We are to honor our bodies since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit, destined for future glory. We are to serve Christ with joy and purpose, knowing our efforts for Christ have eternal significance. In all our relationships, we are to live as an ambassador of heaven, reflecting God’s love and grace. As N.T. Wright says: “What you do with your body in the present matters because God has a great future in store for it.” Let this promise of resurrection infuse your life with hope, purpose, and anticipation as you await the glorious transformation Christ has secured for you. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

As believers, we often find ourselves wrestling with faith and doubt. This tension is not uncommon, nor is it inherently sinful. Instead, it provides an opportunity to deepen our faith and grow our relationship with God. Even strong believers like Thomas and Elijah (1 Kings 19) experienced moments of doubt, yet their stories reveal how God can use these struggles to strengthen our trust in Him.

Doubt can serve as a pathway to growth. It challenges us to seek answers and pursue a more mature understanding of our faith. Take Thomas, for example, often labeled “Doubting Thomas.” In John 20:24-29, he refused to believe in Jesus’ resurrection without tangible proof. However, when confronted by the risen Christ, Thomas boldly declared, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This confession marked a turning point in his life. Far from being paralyzed by doubt, Thomas became a devoted follower of Christ, traveling to India to share the Gospel. There, he preached, planted churches, and ultimately gave his life for the faith. His journey shows that when brought to God, doubt can transform us into people of great faith.

When we face doubts, Scripture invites us to turn to God in prayer. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Honest prayer helps us process our questions and seek clarity from the One who knows all things. The Psalms are filled with raw, heartfelt cries that resonate with our own struggles. David’s words in Psalm 13:1, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” These words reflect his deep pain and confusion. Yet, by the psalm’s end, David declares, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” (vv. 5-6). This shift reminds us that God is not intimidated by our questions. He meets us in our doubts and leads us toward trust and hope.

Faith, at its core, is trusting God amid uncertainty. It does not require having all the answers but calls us to rely on the Lord’s wisdom and sovereignty. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Trusting God involves humility, recognizing our limited perspective, and confidence that He guides us on the right path.

Doubt is a natural part of the Christian journey, but it does not have to lead us away from God. Instead, it can draw us closer to Him as we lean on Scripture, prayer, and the support of a faith community. By the way, a healthy faith community promotes honesty about our journey with Christ. While not all our questions may be answered in this life, we can learn to trust the One who holds all answers. Surrendering our doubts to God allows Him to turn them into tools for deeper trust and greater intimacy with Him. Through this process, we can echo Thomas’s words, proclaiming with conviction, “My Lord and my God!” When all is said and done, we will grow in Christ when we are honest about our doubts but don’t let them rise about our faith in Him. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The other day, I read that embracing gratitude is the antidote to anxiety. This truth resonated deeply, especially as I reflected on my friend John’s life. John is walking through a significant health challenge, one that could easily overwhelm anyone with anxiousness. Yet, he intentionally combats anxiety by practicing gratitude. When anxious thoughts creep in, John redirects his focus toward God’s blessings and consistently testifies to how the Lord fills him with peace. His journey is a powerful example of what it means to walk with Christ amid life’s struggles. What inspires me most is John’s honesty about his wrestling, his ups and downs, and his trust in God’s faithfulness.

John’s life vividly reflects the wisdom of Philippians 4:6-7, where Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage reveals a profound truth. Gratitude is not just a nice sentiment; it’s a spiritual practice that helps us replace anxiety with peace. Paul’s words remind us to entrust ourselves to God with thanksgiving, knowing that His peace will protect our hearts and minds in Christ.

Why does gratitude have such transformative power? For one, gratitude redirects our focus. Anxiety often stems from fixating on what’s wrong, uncertain, or beyond our control. Gratitude, however, shifts our attention to God’s blessings, reminding us of His faithfulness. A simple yet profound practice is to pause when anxiety strikes and list three things you’re thankful for. Over time, this habit can rewire your perspective. In fact, starting each day with a moment of gratitude is a great way to anchor your thoughts in God’s goodness before the day’s challenges arise.

Gratitude also strengthens our trust in God. When we intentionally recall His past provision, we build confidence in His faithfulness for the future. King David models this in Psalm 9, where he writes, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” By recounting God’s works, David cultivates a heart of trust and praise. Exploring the Psalms is an excellent way to learn how to navigate our emotions and strengthen our faith through gratitude.

Furthermore, gratitude fosters joy and contentment. In a world that often magnifies what we lack, a spirit of thankfulness combats discontentment and nurtures joy, even in difficult seasons. Journaling can be a helpful tool here. While I’m not an avid journaler, except for my devotional journal, I’ve seen, for instance, in my wife Krista’s life, how keeping a journal can help track God’s goodness over time and create a record of His faithfulness.

Let’s commit to practicing gratitude daily. Whether through prayer, journaling, or simply pausing to give thanks, this discipline has the power to transform our outlook, deepen our faith, and diminish anxiety. When we embrace gratitude as Scripture teaches, we can trust God to fill us with peace that surpasses all understanding. Gratitude is the antidote to anxiety, and with God’s help, we can reap the results of this spiritual practice. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Our physical lives, actions, and presence are central to offering ourselves to God as living sacrifices. Worship is not merely spiritual; it is embodied. How we live, serve, and interact with the world reflects our devotion to God. As Timothy Tennent observes, “The body is not peripheral to worship; it is central to it. Worship is not an escape from our embodied lives but a profound expression of them.”

Paul’s words in Romans 12:1 challenge believers, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” The term “therefore” bridges Paul’s theological foundation in Romans 1–11 with practical application. It calls believers to respond to God’s grace by offering their bodies as “living sacrifices.” Unlike Old Testament sacrifices, these are ongoing and encompass all of life. Presenting our bodies signifies an integrated faith, where all aspects of life, such as work, school, relationships, and even rest, become opportunities for worship.

Worship is not just what we say or think but what we do with our bodies. This includes physical acts of service, caring for others, and stewarding our health. Our embodied presence can profoundly bless others. For instance, while a text or email may encourage, physically showing up for someone in need carries unparalleled weight.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Our bodies, redeemed by Christ, are dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. This truth elevates the body to sacred significance. Recognizing that we belong to God compels us to glorify Him through how we care for and use our physical selves. Honoring God with our bodies means pursuing holiness, demonstrating love through tangible actions, and rejecting practices that diminish their sacred value.

Romans 12:2 expands on this call, emphasizing the need for transformation, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Renewing our minds aligns our thoughts and actions with God’s will, enabling whole-life worship. This process helps us reject worldly patterns, embrace inward transformation, and discern how to live in ways that glorify God. As worship integrates mind, body, and spirit, it becomes holistic, shaping every aspect of our lives.

Paul underscores this in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Here, worship extends beyond Sunday services. Whether working, serving, or resting, all can glorify God when done in Christ’s name. I’ve seen this truth in my own life. While working at McDonald’s during college, I initially resented the job. However, inspired by Colossians, I began viewing my work as an act of worship and a mission field. This shift allowed me to honor God through both my actions and attitude.

Worship is embodied. It involves offering our entire selves, mind, body, and spirit to God as living sacrifices. As Paul teaches, our bodies are sacred, temples of the Holy Spirit and instruments for glorifying God. By embracing this truth, we live holistically, extending worship into every area of life.

Let us honor God through our physical lives, serve others, and integrate our faith into daily actions. In doing so, we reflect the sacredness of our embodied existence, glorifying the One who made us. With God’s help, we can see our bodies as instruments of worship. Through His Spirit, we can transform our actions and attitudes so that our entire lives are lived in worship of Him. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The rebirth of Christian community and the cultivation of the “ecclesial self” are vital for the church to fulfill its mission as the body of Christ. Genuine fellowship among believers, rooted in the theology of the body, reflects the transformative work of Christ in creating a new humanity. Acts 2:42 describes the early church as devoted to “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” This fellowship was not a casual association but a profound, embodied commitment to one another as members of Christ’s body. A mature church is not marked by cultural sameness but by its corporate, bodily manifestation of the new creation.

God calls us to fellowship rooted in embodied theology. The theology of the body reminds us that we are created as relational beings, meant to live in community. In “Life Together,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this.” True fellowship acknowledges the dignity of every individual as an image-bearer of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and the call to unity in diversity (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This bodily connection to one another is foundational to our identity as the church. When we gather, we do so not as mere individuals but as those united by the Spirit in Christ, committed to His truth, and demonstrating the gospel in tangible, relational ways.

The “ecclesial self” emerges as believers find their identity within the community of faith. This self is not defined by individualism but by our participation in the life of Christ’s church. In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul writes that the church grows as each member contributes to the body’s maturity, “joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped.” The new creation, inaugurated by Christ, is visible in the diversity of gifts and cultures unified in the shared purpose of glorifying God and proclaiming the gospel. A church that prioritizes fellowship rooted in the new creation will embody a countercultural witness to the world.

Depth of fellowship is essential for building relationships that enable spiritual growth. Christian community is the crucible where we learn the rhythms of sacrifice, forgiveness, and bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). As C.S. Lewis wrote in “The Four Loves,” “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too?’” Fellowship allows us to share life’s joys and struggles, fostering intimacy and accountability. This depth transforms the church from a collection of individuals into a unified body that reflects Christ’s love.

In a fragmented world, the rebirth of Christian community is an act of great witness to the truth of the gospel. The church demonstrates what it means to live as a redeemed people, offering a vision of hope and restoration. By embodying Christ’s love through service and shared life, the church becomes a living witness of the gospel. Jesus declared, “By this all people will know that You are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

The rebirth of Christian fellowship requires us to embody our theology, living as the hands and feet of Christ. Only in community can we grow into the full maturity of Christ, modeling to the world the beauty and blessing of being His. Therefore, let us commit to genuine Christian community and cultivate the “ecclesial self,” fulfilling our mission as the body of Christ. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

There is great significance in Jesus’ bodily resurrection, leading believers to have hope for the future and live presently for God’s glory. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian hope. His bodily resurrection assures us of victory over sin, death, and our future bodily resurrection. This profound truth shapes how we live today, calling us to live with hope and to glorify God with our present bodies in light of that future reality.

The Bible clearly teaches that followers of Christ are promised redeemed bodies. We will experience the fullness of transformation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, “What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” Our current bodies are perishable, weak, and subject to decay, but in the resurrection, they will be transformed into glorious, imperishable, and powerful bodies suited for eternity. This transformation is like a seed buried in the ground: though it appears lifeless, it grows into something far greater and more beautiful. Similarly, our present physical limitations will give way to a future state of glory.

This hope sustains us in the face of suffering, illness, and aging. As Timothy Tennent writes, “The bodily resurrection is the promise that our identity and purpose in God will one day be fully realized, body and soul.” Consider the caterpillar and butterfly: though bound to the ground, the caterpillar serves a purpose before undergoing a dramatic metamorphosis into a soaring butterfly. Likewise, our current bodies serve God’s purposes now, even as we anticipate their glorious transformation.

We are united with Christ in resurrected power. In Romans 6:5-11, Paul explains that believers are united with Christ in both His death and resurrection, “If we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.” Through Christ’s death, the power of sin has been broken. His resurrection ensures that death no longer has dominion over Him or us. This union with Christ enables us to live in the power of His resurrection now, overcoming sin and living for God’s glory. Like an athlete training for a future race, we use our present bodies as instruments for righteousness, preparing for the eternal life that awaits. Every act of faithfulness, purity, and service is an offering to God, reflecting our anticipation of resurrection. Tennent states, “To live in light of the resurrection means to live now in a way that anticipates and participates in God’s final victory over death.”

We live in hope and glorify God today. Finally, Paul concludes in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” This call to steadfastness flows directly from the promise of resurrection. Our bodies and actions are not insignificant but have eternal significance. Like tending a plant destined to blossom, caring for our bodies honors the Creator and anticipates their future glorification. Consider coal transforming into a diamond: though dark and ordinary, coal serves an essential purpose before undergoing immense pressure to become radiant and unbreakable. Similarly, our present bodies, though imperfect, are valuable and purposeful, destined for a glorious future.

In light of all this, we are to live for Christ. Jesus’s bodily resurrection assures us of our future resurrection, calling us to live in hope and glorify God with our present bodies. This hope shapes how we face challenges, steward our physical lives, and anticipate our ultimate transformation. Let us resist the temptation to see our bodies as insignificant and instead treat them as gifts to be stewarded for God’s glory. Whether through worship, service, or sharing Christ’s love, every faithful action declares our hope in the resurrection. As Timothy Tennent reminds us, “Every act of faithful stewardship over our bodies is an act of worship, a declaration of hope in the resurrection.” May we live each day for God’s glory, looking forward to the day when our bodies are fully redeemed and glorified in Christ. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

When you delve into the biblical theology of the body, you are invited to consider something extraordinary in the Incarnation. Imagine an artist stepping into their own painting or an author becoming a character in their story. The Incarnation is similar in that the Creator stepped into His creation. Through this mystery, God affirms the sacredness of our physical world, revealing the profound significance of our embodied lives. Timothy Tennent’s book, For the Body, offers a powerful perspective on this theme, and I highly recommend his insights.

The Incarnation, the Word becoming flesh, embodies God’s ultimate affirmation of the physical world. As we find in John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This miracle shows God’s commitment to our world by His choice to enter our material reality fully. Jesus, the eternal and preexistent Word, became incarnate to reveal God’s love and redemption. By taking on flesh, God validated the goodness of His creation, proving that our physical lives matter deeply.

Through Christ’s Incarnation, our world becomes a sacred space where God’s purpose unfolds. In placing humanity upon His divinity, Jesus showed His commitment to the goodness of the physical world and the worth of our physical existence. Tennent beautifully states, “The Incarnation forever affirms the significance of the human body… it is through Jesus’s body that God chose to manifest His presence and redeem His people.” We are called to care for, honor, and use our bodies as vessels for God’s work, rejecting any notion that diminishes their importance.

Philippians 2:5-8 further reveals the humility of Christ. “Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant.” This has been called the “hymn of Christ” and is a testament to God’s self-giving love. Jesus, though fully God, embraced human limitations, even to the point of death, showing His desire to meet us in our brokenness and raise us to new life. His humility teaches us to embrace the vulnerability of our humanity as part of God’s purpose. As Tennent notes, “Jesus’s willingness to take on human flesh and become vulnerable shows us the profound humility and self-giving love of God.” How can we do any less than use our bodies for God’s glory and the betterment of others?

How can we understand Christ’s humility in the Incarnation? Consider a king who steps down from his throne to serve his people. Christ’s Incarnation is God exchanging divine privilege to live among us. This act of humility invites us to honor God by serving others through physical acts of love and compassion, embodying Jesus’ example.

Following Jesus means living out our faith through embodied love and sacrifice. The body is not inherently evil; it is a temple for God’s presence. Christ’s redemptive work invites us to use our bodies as instruments of worship and service. Together, John 1:14 and Philippians 2:5-8 show that Jesus’ Incarnation affirms humanity’s worth and calls us to live with purpose, using our bodies to serve and glorify God.

Let’s celebrate the God who took on flesh, honoring His image in us by embodying His love to those around us. May the Incarnation deepen our appreciation for our physical lives and inspire us to follow Christ’s example of humble, embodied love. As we reflect on the Incarnation, the Word becoming flesh, we discover the sacredness of our bodies and how they can be used to exemplify God’s design for embodied living. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

As one explores a biblical theology of the body, she will discover the significance of our physical existence, how sin has affected it, and the enduring hope God offers. Timothy Tennent’s insights in For the Body examines how sin has impacted our bodies and all creation. Yet, even in brokenness, the body remains essential to Christian discipleship, worship, and hope.

One aspect of our physicality is the paradox of resilience and fragility. Our bodies are wonderfully made, often able to endure illnesses, recover from injury, and adapt to physical challenges. Yet, we also know the limits of this resilience. Our bodies are vulnerable to pain, sickness, and eventual death, which are daily reminders of human frailty. Though we were created with dignity and purpose, the effects of sin mar our physical existence, introducing suffering and decay that were never part of God’s original design.

This brokenness began with The Fall, as described in Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the forbidden tree, sin entered the world, severing their perfect relationship with God and tainting all creation. Genesis 3:17-19 captures the consequences of their rebellion: God tells Adam, “Cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it… till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This curse reminds us that sin didn’t just affect humanity but brought suffering into every aspect of life. What was once joyful became difficult. Our bodies, once untouched by pain, are now vulnerable to sickness, toil, and death.

The impact of sin on creation extends beyond our personal suffering. Nature itself is disrupted by humanity’s fall. Thorns and thistles, natural disasters, and the daily “groaning” of creation all echo the effects of sin. Paul captures this powerfully in Romans 8:18-23, where he writes, “The whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” All creation waits for redemption, longing for the day Christ will bring restoration.

Yet, amid this brokenness, God’s promise offers us hope. Through Jesus, God has begun redeeming creation, including our bodies. While we await the full realization of this redemption, we live in the “already but not yet” of God’s kingdom, where we are redeemed in spirit yet still in bodies that experience decay. We are called to steward our bodies as best we can, honoring God in our physical lives, even as we wait for the promised “redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23).

Tennent points out that the limitations we face in our bodies remind us of our dependency on God and the ultimate renewal we await. This hope doesn’t ignore our suffering; it offers us strength as we endure, knowing that our brokenness is not the end. We live with a posture of hope, assured that one day, our bodies and all creation will be freed from sin’s effects.

In this journey of faithful stewardship, we find encouragement from those who have modeled resilience amid suffering. For instance, Joni Eareckson Tada, who became paralyzed in a diving accident, demonstrates worship through her broken body. Creating art by holding a paintbrush in her mouth, she reminds us that worship transcends physical limitations and is a heartfelt response to God. Her life testifies that God’s strength is perfected in weakness.

Let’s anchor our hope in the promise that Christ’s resurrection foreshadows our own. Though our bodies experience decay, we await the day when all things are made new. In the hands of God, even our brokenness has value. The prophet Isaiah says God gives “beauty for ashes” (Isaiah 61:3), showing He can bring beauty out of what seems beyond repair. As we live in hope, we surrender our brokenness to God, finding strength in His promise of salvation today in Christ and the full redemption of our bodies in the future. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Our bodies are extraordinary gifts from God, crafted with intentionality, dignity, and purpose. The incredible intricacy of the human body, like the tiny yet complex heartbeat of a newborn or the unique pattern of fingerprints, reflects God’s purposeful design. Every organ and function works harmoniously, reminding us that our bodies are not accidents but marvels of divine creativity.

Scripture affirms this truth by teaching us that we are created in God’s image, or the Imago Dei, a Latin term meaning “Image of God.” Genesis 1:26-27 reveals this profound reality: “Then God said, ’Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This mention of “us” is the first hint of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in the Bible. The word used here for “man,” the Hebrew term “adam,” often translated as “man,” refers to humanity as a whole, encompassing both male and female, and highlights the inherent value and dignity given to all people.

To be made in the image of God means that every person, regardless of ability, background, or status, carries a sacred reflection of God’s nature. We bear the capacities that set us apart, such as reasoning, morality, language, creativity, and the ability to build relationships founded on love. We are like God in ways that empower us to reflect His character within creation.

Yet, humanity’s rebellion in the Fall marred this image, as described in Genesis 3. Sin, death, and separation from God entered the world, distorting our view of ourselves and leading many to struggle with body image or neglect. However, through Christ, God restores us to our intended dignity. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:24 to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” This redemption through Jesus allows us to live as reflections of our Creator.

Psalm 139:13-16 reinforces this truth: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb…I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Even before birth, God was intimately involved in our formation, caring for every detail. Like an artist with pottery, God shapes each curve and every feature with precision and purpose, reminding us that our bodies are intentional and worthy of care. This is one big reason believers place such high value on life from the unborn to the oldest among us.

Understanding this inspires us to see our bodies as expressions of worship. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you… You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” If our bodies are God’s temples, then how we treat them, as well as others, becomes a form of worship.

In For the Body, Timothy Tennent emphasizes that “the sacredness of the body challenges us to a life that values embodiment as a gift, responding in gratitude and stewardship.” This truth invites us to honor God by valuing, respecting, and caring for our bodies as part of His creation. Our challenge is to embrace our bodies with gratitude, recognizing their intrinsic worth as reflections of God’s image.

Let’s ask God to help us see ourselves as He does and commit to caring for our bodies and those around us in ways that honor Him. In doing so, we live out our purpose, embodying the gift of His creation. Therefore, we offer our whole selves as worship to Him. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

It’s hard to believe Christmas is already behind us, and here we are, approaching the beginning of a new year. There’s something fresh about January. We have the promise of new beginnings, resolutions, and commitments. And yet, there’s also the reality that the world is as chaotic as ever. Recently, I came across a statement: “The world can be chaotic; get your own world in order.” It made me stop and reflect. What does it mean to put our world in order in a world that seems more unpredictable each day? And how do we do that amid the chaos?

Chaos is an unavoidable part of life. Much of what we encounter daily is outside our control, from personal stresses to the broader issues facing society. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we’re bombarded with problems that are too big to solve on our own. Yet, as believers, we have a choice. We either let the chaos dictate our responses or control what we can within ourselves.

Jesus teaches us a powerful principle in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse calls us to shift our focus. We must keep our eyes on God, not the disorder around us. Instead of trying to make sense of every chaotic detail, we’re reminded to look up and pursue God’s righteousness. It’s a reminder that our role is not to put the darkness in order but to let our light shine in it.

So, how do we become that light? It starts within our own hearts. Self-discipline, trust in God, and a commitment to living out our faith daily can transform our inner world even if the outer world remains in disarray. As we seek to align our lives with God’s will, we reflect His peace and hope to others. In Romans 12:2, we’re called not to “conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” By focusing on God’s truth, we can live counter to the chaos and, in turn, be a steady presence for those around us.

Our influence, however, isn’t limited to just ourselves. God calls us to reach out to those in our lives: our families, our friends, and our communities. This influence begins with the small steps we take in our own lives, which ripple outward. Jesus calls His followers the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14), emphasizing our role in shaping and influencing those around us through His love and truth.

As this new year begins, let’s focus on the areas we can control, which are our faith, actions, and words, and entrust the rest to God. The world may be chaotic, but we can be calm amid the storm with our hearts rooted in Him. Yes, “The world can be chaotic; get your own world in order.” Let’s allow our renewed lives to be a beacon for others, pointing them to the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!