Some Christians mistakenly think the soul is all that matters and the physical body only gets in the way. But when God created the human body, He called it good (Gen. 1:31).
Perhaps the confusion stems from what Paul meant when comparing the “flesh” with the “Spirit” (Galatians 5). In using the word flesh, he was speaking not of the body but of the false self—the part of us prone to fear, selfishness, pride, and more. Our physical self, just as much as our spiritual being, belongs to God and is an instrument for His use; both are in fact part of the new creation we become in Jesus. And so, our true self has a redeemed soul as well as a redeemed body.
Genesis 2:7 says God “formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” And we’ll be physical beings in eternity as we’re transformed “into conformity with [Christ’s] glorious body” (Phil. 3:21). To discover the fullness of your true identity as God’s child, embrace both the spirit and the body He’s given you.
Think about it
• In what ways or circumstances are you reminded that your body is part of your true identity in Christ? What makes it difficult to accept that?
