When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Are you completely happy with your physical appearance? Having a negative self-image of our physical appearance is not a new problem, but has been exacerbated in the modern age due to print media and the proliferation of technology, such as television and social media. These things are not bad of and by themselves, but they are platforms where celebrities are in our faces on a regular basis with what society holds up to be “perfect” bodies. Modern media and pop culture have affected and warped our perception of how we should look. Typically, in movies, fashion magazines, advertisements, social media platforms and on catwalks, we see people that apparently have the “ideal” body – men that are tall and muscular and women that are very skinny. But is this what we should be aiming for?

While it goes without saying that we certainly do not need to aspire to have the figures of pop stars, celebrities and social media influencers, we can ensure we are leading an active and overall healthy lifestyle. While God requires that our spiritual health is our priority, He has nonetheless given us our bodies to use and take care of in this life: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

 So, what are some practical ways we can do this?

DIET

A sensible, balanced diet will not only help us to feel better, but can also prevent us from becoming overweight, or even underweight.

In his booklet, Biblical Principles of Health, Dr. Douglas Winnail writes: “The consistent advice given by various nutrition sources about dietary fats, even when those sources otherwise disagree, involves moderation, which is also a biblical principle (Philippians 4:5, KJV)—a principle that does not speak well of Western diets, with daily visits to fast-food establishments and their “super-size” approach to sugary sodas, mountains of fries, and fat-drenched, triple-patty burgers. Generally, biblical moderation is not on their menus.”

Incorporating fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, and lean meat into our diet, while cutting back on added sugars, soft drinks, and fatty foods can help us to reach a happy medium. We can certainly still enjoy desserts and our favourite foods and drinks, but need to be mindful of having these treats in moderation.

EXERCISE

The current recommendation from the Australian Government and health organisations is for children between the age of 5-17 to engage in about 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity for most days of the week. There are a range of health benefits associated with exercise including having fun with family and friends, building cooperation and teamwork skills, lowering anxiety and stress, building stronger muscles and bones, and overall improved fitness.

Again, in his booklet, Dr. Douglas Winnail writes: “While spiritual growth is most important, ‘bodily exercise profits a little’ (1 Timothy 4:8). Indeed, regular activity or exercise benefits the body in this life only. But from another perspective, the self-discipline required to exercise becomes part of our character—and character lasts for eternity.”

Let us remember not to be swayed by an unhealthy desire to look like our favourite celebrity, but instead, to be grateful for the body God has given us. Yes, it is important to look after our appearance in terms of how we dress and present ourselves and of course to maintain a healthy weight. How we look after our bodies in this life is very important. Ultimately though, this world and the things in it are passing away (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 5:1) and it is our spiritual growth and character that God is even more interested in (2 Peter 3:18).