“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Summer is just around the corner, and my local gym touts classes all intending to get our bodies “beach ready.”

In this and many other ways, there’s so much pressure to make sure we look physically attractive from a worldly perspective. But it’s a discouraging pursuit. Almost daily, I look in the mirror and notice a new line on my face or an unruly gray hair that’s popped up, which doesn't reflect the women I usually see on billboards and screens.

It’s hard not to be swept up in the idea that a “more attractive” and fit physical body will solve our problems — whether they involve romantic relationships, self-confidence or sickness. And the overwhelming amount of advice about our bodies can leave us worrying about the daily choices we make when it comes to food and movement.

What promises freedom and happiness leaves us trapped in a downward spiral of discontentment. And ultimately, if we’re honest, we know that physical beauty will fade and leave us disappointed.

Jesus knew we’d be tempted to worry about our bodies. But He intends for us to trust Him instead of the promises of a better workout or diet (Matthew 6:25-27). The One who cares for the birds in the sky and the flowers in the field cares even more for us. Jesus came to set us free from the power of sin and death, to free us from enslavement to all our fears and failures. Jesus gives us hope that we can walk in the freedom, peace and joy that only He can provide — if we are willing to let Him teach us.

To help us, Jesus lifts our eyes upward and gives us a new priority:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Seeking the Lord’s will above our own helps us keep an eternal perspective. We won’t get caught up in the next big fad or be consumed with dropping 10 pounds — because our hearts and minds are fixed on more important things.

We focus on so-called flaws, but God wants us to be thankful for the bodies He has given us.

So what if, instead of getting caught up in what our bodies can’t do or how we wish they looked, we look for reasons to be grateful for the bodies we have? For the breath in our lungs, for hearts that pump life-giving blood throughout our bodies? For the laugh lines from countless times of joy, for our lips that can share the good news of Jesus with our neighbors?

As we seek God’s Kingdom above our own, our eyes are lifted above our waistlines, and we seek to use our bodies to bring glory to the Lord.

Dear Lord, help me to lift my eyes off myself and onto You. Help me to value what You value and be grateful for who You created me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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You can read more about how to view our bodies, food and fitness from a Christian perspective when you purchase Stacy Reaoch’s book, Beautiful Freedom: How the Bible Shapes Your View of Appearance, Food, and Fitness.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

2 Corinthians 4:16, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (ESV).

What’s one way you can be thankful for the body God has given you?

© 2024 by Stacy Reaoch. All rights reserved.

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