The Bible speaks about honoring our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Today, we’ll examine what Scripture says about altering the body and how to approach this topic with wisdom.
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What Does The Bible Say About Altering The Body
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or 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.”
This verse emphasizes that our bodies are sacred and that we should treat them with respect. It reminds us that our bodies are not our own, but rather, they belong to God. Therefore, we should honor God by taking care of our bodies and not altering them in ways that go against His design and purpose for us.
This verse also implies that our physical bodies have spiritual significance since they house the Holy Spirit. It teaches us to value our bodies as instruments of worship and to glorify God through how we treat and present ourselves.
Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
This verse specifically addresses the act of cutting oneself and tattooing as forbidden practices. In the context of mourning for the dead, cutting one’s body was a pagan custom that God commanded His people to abstain from. The prohibition against tattooing can be understood as a broader principle of not permanently defacing or altering our bodies.
While this verse is often debated in the context of modern tattooing, it is important to consider the motive and message behind any form of body alteration. If it goes against biblical principles or promotes values that contradict God’s Word, it is wise to refrain from such practices.
Romans 12:1-2
“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. 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.”
In these verses, we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. This means dedicating ourselves entirely to Him and aligning our actions with His will. By presenting our bodies, we submit our physical selves to God’s authority and seek to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
The second part of this passage urges us not to conform to the ways of the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation happens as we allow God’s Word and His Spirit to shape our thoughts and actions. Thus, when it comes to altering our bodies, we should seek God’s guidance and align our choices with His transformative purposes.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
This verse establishes the foundational truth that humans are created in the image of God. As bearers of His image, we reflect His attributes and character. Our physical bodies, in their natural state, mirror the intentional design of the Creator.
Understanding this truth should lead us to appreciate and value our bodies as part of God’s good creation. Altering our bodies excessively or in ways that distort this reflection may diminish the recognition and representation of God’s image in us.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”
God’s perspective differs greatly from ours. While humans often focus on outward appearances, God sees beyond the physical and looks at the heart. Our character, integrity, and relationship with Him matter more to Him than our physical appearance.
Considering this truth, altering our bodies solely for the purpose of enhancing our outward attractiveness may divert our attention from cultivating inner beauty and spiritual growth. It is essential to prioritize the transformation of our hearts over the alteration of our bodies.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
These verses encourage us to place more value on inner beauty and qualities than on external adornment. While there is nothing inherently wrong with braiding hair, wearing jewelry, or dressing well, the emphasis here is on prioritizing the development of a gentle and quiet spirit.
When we focus excessively on altering our external appearance, we can easily become consumed by worldly standards of beauty and neglect the timeless beauty that comes from a heart transformed by God. Our inner character should take precedence over outward adornment.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse reminds us that charm and physical beauty, while potentially desirable, are fleeting and unreliable. What truly counts and merits praise is a woman’s reverence for the Lord.
If altering our bodies becomes a pursuit rooted in insecurities or an attempt to attain societal standards of beauty, it can distract us from cultivating a heart that delights in the fear of the Lord. Our focus should be on developing and nurturing our relationship with Him, which ultimately leads to the praise and admiration that truly matter.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
David’s psalm exclaims praise and adoration to God, acknowledging that each individual is fearfully and wonderfully made by Him. This recognition of God’s craftsmanship in creating us instills a sense of awe and gratitude.
If we long to modify our bodies in ways that reject or disregard the innate beauty bestowed upon us by our Creator, we risk undervaluing the exquisite workmanship of God. Instead, we should embrace and appreciate how fearfully and wonderfully He has crafted every part of us.
Isaiah 64:8
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
These words from Isaiah remind us that God is our heavenly Father and we are His creation. He has formed and shaped us, just as a potter molds clay. Recognizing this truth helps us appreciate that altering our bodies can be seen as tampering with the artistry of the divine Potter.
In yielding ourselves to God’s loving and skillful hands, we allow Him to shape us according to His plans and purposes. Instead of altering our bodies to conform to societal norms, let us be open to His transformational work, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
This verse affirms that we are God’s workmanship. He has intentionally crafted and designed us to fulfill specific purposes in His kingdom. Our lives are not accidents or random occurrences, but rather, they are masterpieces that God has created.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should consider whether such modifications align with the good works that God has prepared for us. Rather than pursuing self-focused alterations, let us focus on walking in obedience to His calling and using our bodies to bring glory to His name.
1 Timothy 4:8
“for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
This verse acknowledges that bodily training and physical fitness have some value. Taking care of our bodies through exercise and proper nutrition is important, as our bodies are a gift from God.
However, it also reminds us that a focus solely on physical appearance or the pursuit of body alterations can be limited in its benefits. The pursuit of godliness, which encompasses spiritual growth, character development, and righteous living, holds eternal value and promises fulfillment in both the present life and the life to come.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
In this heartfelt plea, David acknowledges his need for God’s transformative work in his heart and spirit. He recognizes that true change comes from God alone.
Although this verse specifically refers to the inner being, it reminds us that the ultimate transformation we should yearn for is in our hearts and spirits. Physical modifications can never replace the need for a clean heart and a right spirit, which only God can create and renew within us.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
These words urge us to focus our minds on heavenly matters rather than being consumed by the things of this world. Our thoughts should be directed towards God’s kingdom and His purposes.
When it comes to contemplating body alterations, it is important to ensure that our minds are aligned with God’s perspective. We should prioritize seeking His will, rather than being swayed by worldly trends or a desire to conform to societal expectations.
Philippians 1:20
“as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
These words from Paul express his desire and hope that Christ would be honored in his body, regardless of the circumstances he faced. He prioritized living his life in a way that brought glory to God, even if it meant surrendering his physical body for the sake of Christ.
When considering any form of body alteration, it is crucial to examine whether it aligns with our ultimate aim of honoring and glorifying Jesus in our bodies. Our choices should be driven by a desire to magnify Christ rather than seeking personal gratification or worldly acceptance.
Psalm 34:5
“Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”
This verse speaks of the radiance that comes from looking to the Lord. When we fix our eyes on Him, His presence and love transform us from within, bringing a radiance that surpasses any external alterations or enhancements.
Instead of pursuing body alterations to gain acceptance or validation, we should focus on cultivating a vibrant relationship with God. His love and transformation in our lives will shine through, making our faces radiant and ensuring we have no reason to be ashamed.
Matthew 10:28
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
These words from Jesus remind us of the ultimate importance of our souls in comparison to our physical bodies. While our bodies hold temporal significance, our souls are eternally valuable.
When considering any alterations to our bodies, it is essential to remember that our focus should be on the well-being of our souls. The fear of God, who can determine our eternal destiny, should guide our choices and remind us that our spiritual health should take precedence over any physical changes.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
These powerful words from Paul express his identification with Christ and his surrender of self. As believers, we are called to die to our own desires and allow Christ to live in and through us.
When considering alterations to our bodies, we should ensure that they do not contradict this principle of self-denial and surrender to the life of Christ within us. Our choices should reflect a life lived by faith and a desire to honor the One who gave Himself for us.
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”
These words remind us that, as believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit resides in us, making our bodies a sacred dwelling place.
Considering this truth should prompt us to treat our bodies with the respect they deserve. Instead of altering our bodies in ways that may dishonor God’s temple, let us strive to honor Him by valuing and caring for our physical well-being.
Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
These verses call us to refrain from passing judgment on one another and to avoid causing others to stumble. The focus is on living in a way that does not hinder or tempt others to compromise their faith.
When considering body alterations, it is important to evaluate whether our choices may cause confusion, temptation, or offense to our fellow believers. While personal freedom is important, it should be exercised with sensitivity and love towards others.
Deuteronomy 4:9
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”
These words serve as a reminder to carefully guard our souls and to ensure that we do not forget God’s faithfulness and the lessons we have learned from Him. It urges us to pass on our knowledge and experiences of God’s goodness to future generations.
When it comes to altering our bodies, we should consider whether our choices enable us to fulfill our role as faithful witnesses. Our actions, including how we treat and modify our bodies, should testify to the faithfulness of God and leave a legacy that glorifies Him for generations to come.
2 Corinthians 6:16
“What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.'”
Here, Paul draws a parallel between the temple of God and believers, emphasizing that we are the dwelling places of the living God. Just as the temple was a holy place set apart for worship, our bodies are sacred spaces for God’s presence.
Considering our bodies as temples of the living God should guide our decisions regarding any alterations. We should seek to maintain the holiness and purity of this temple, ensuring that our choices are in alignment with God’s purpose for our bodies as dwelling places of His Spirit.