How Do We View Our Bodies?
And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. Genesis 39:6
Read John 9:1-5
Joseph was a young, attractive, well liked youth. The Spirit of God thought it necessary that the following words be written in the Bible: And Joseph was a goodly person, and well-favoured.
We can hardly avoid the advertising around us that focuses on the young, attractive and cool. How do we view our bodies, especially if we think they are physically attractive? God has given us our physique. This is also true if we have been born with a physical disability. Perhaps we sometimes become jealous of others who we think are more attractive than we are.
We are in danger, especially in our day, of forgetting that we must personally learn, “That I, with body and soul,… am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ” (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 1)? You should not feel inferior to others, even if you have a physical disability or are not outwardly attractive. At the same time, if you are good looking, you should not elevate yourself above others. All that you are and have is only due to the grace of God!
Question: Are you content with your outward appearance?
Psalter 89:1, 2, 4 (based on Psalm 34) Ye children, come, give ear to me, And learn Jehovah’s fear; He who would long and happy live, Let him my counsel hear. Restrain thy lips from speaking guile, From wicked speech depart, From evil turn and do the good, Seek peace with all thy heart. The Lord may suffer many griefs, Upon the just to fall, But He will bring them safely through, Delivering them from all.