7 Ways to View Your Body as a Temple
If you’re unfamiliar with the idea of your body as a temple, it’s mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:19, which says, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
The verses leading up to this passage address sexual immorality, with 1 Corinthians 6:13 stating, “The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” For some, this might cause feelings of shame, especially if they are struggling with lust or fulfilling the desires of the flesh. But please understand that every person on earth battles the flesh in one way or another. The key is to keep fighting and not give up.
With God’s help, you can view your body as a temple without shame. Here are 7 ways to do that.
1. View Yourself through God’s Mirror
1. View Yourself through God’s Mirror
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
How we view ourselves matters, not in the sense of being hyper-focused on outward appearance or personal achievement, but in the intrinsic sense of being created in the image of God. Let your heart rest on that truth for a moment. You, my friend, are an image bearer, a reflection of the Creator of the universe.
Viewing our bodies as a temple without shame starts at the foundational level of who we were created to be. Our human nature is to confuse this with our identity revolving around our own wants and desires, but it’s never been about us; it’s always been about Christ in us.
I pray this lifts the burden of self-condemnation today, allowing you to breathe a sigh of relief that you don’t have to perform a certain way to gain God’s favor. You simply need to abide in Jesus, remain in Him, and view yourself in His mirror. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Take a few moments to look in the mirror and ask the Lord to reveal His view of you. Allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes anew to the beautiful creation you are. Pray aloud, “Lord, help me bear Your image without shame, in Jesus’ name."
2. View Yourself as Described in the Bible
2. View Yourself as Described in the Bible
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
It’s difficult not to notice outward appearances. Especially in the American culture, we seem to be fixated on beauty and physique. Rarely can we scroll through social media without seeing ads for products or supplements that promise to make us even more youthful.
When God sent Samuel to appoint David as king, Samuel mistakenly believed that Eliab, David’s oldest brother, would be the likely candidate. 1 Samuel 16:6 says, “When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, ‘Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!’” (NLT)
The Lord quickly corrected Samuel, saying, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT)
The Holy Spirit dwells in you, not because you are beautiful on the outside, but to make you beautiful on the inside. When you see yourself as a chosen vessel, everything changes. You step willingly into God’s anointing, saying, “Here I am, send me.” Gone is the striving to be approved of based on outward appearance, and in its place are deep humility and gratefulness - the perfect combination to defeat lingering shame.
3. View Yourself as an Instrument for God’s Glory
3. View Yourself as an Instrument for God’s Glory
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
In the historical Prayer of St. Francis, the first few lines say,
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is an injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy”
This peaceful prayer refocuses our attention from our own agendas to the purposes of God. With open hands of surrender, we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord.(Romans 12:1)
This sacrificial view takes our minds off past shame and regret and offers a forward-looking perspective on how we can better serve the Lord and others. What a beautiful way to view your body as a temple—a holy sacrifice pleasing to God!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick
4. View Yourself as Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
4. View Yourself as Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)
Have you ever crafted something with your hands, perhaps a vase, a painting, or even a special meal? When you pour your heart into making something memorable, it becomes valuable to you - even if it has flaws or imperfections.
When God created you, He made you wonderfully and fearfully. This speaks of your inherent worth simply because you were fashioned by the Potter’s hands. So, to view yourself any way other than as God’s masterpiece is devaluing.
My friend, even with all your flaws (I have them, too), you are a beautiful light for the world to see. The light of Jesus shines brightly through you, and as Luke 8:16 says, “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”
Let your light shine so brilliantly that there’s no shadow of shame left. Fear God, not the world. Honor Jesus, not the culture’s definition of perfection. You are part of God’s wonderful works, I know this full well!
5. View Yourself as Strong, Healthy, and Whole
5. View Yourself as Strong, Healthy, and Whole
“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” (Matthew 4:23 ESV)
When we deal with painful health issues, we might look at ourselves in a negative light, convinced we’re no longer useful. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Your body might be breaking down physically, but your spirit houses the Holy Spirit of God - the One who raised Jesus from the dead! As Paul encouraged the Corinthians, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
By faith, you know that you will spend eternity with Jesus, and at that time, you will be given a new body. What hope! What joy! But even in your temporal frame, you can pray, by faith, for God’s healing touch. You can go boldly to His throne and ask for divine strength.
What could happen if you began viewing yourself as strong in the Lord and in His mighty power? (Ephesians 6:10)
What could boost your faith if you continually declare Psalm 103:3 (NLT), which says, “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases”?
What joy would enter your heart if you truly believed you were made whole and complete in Christ? (Colossians 2:10)
In whatever weaknesses you’re experiencing, ask for God’s power to be made perfect. Resist viewing yourself as “less than,” simply because you’re dealing with physical trials. Instead, view your body as a strong, healthy temple complete in Christ’s resurrection power.
6. View Yourself as God’s Workmanship
6. View Yourself as God’s Workmanship
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
We’ve talked a lot about being created in the image of God for a divine purpose, but it’s worth mentioning again. Your entire frame was designed for good works, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. When you view yourself in this way, in humble service of your Creator, inhibitions melt away, and you are filled with a motivation to love and serve the Lord like never before.
-Thoughts of shame are replaced with thoughts of “What can I do for the sake of Christ?”
-False beliefs are replaced with trust in God’s holy purpose for your life.
-Surface-level thinking is replaced with deep, Biblical devotion to what matters most.
You, Beloved, are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. How does this change your self-view? I hope it empowers you to step into your God-given calling with excitement and confidence!
7. View Yourself as Chosen for This Time and Place
7. View Yourself as Chosen for This Time and Place
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Whether you were born in 1940 or 2004, the Lord chose you for this time in history. He knew beforehand how you would grow up, what your strengths would be, and how you would make an impact on the world around you. So, please let me ask: How are you making an eternal impact on the world around you?
Viewing your body as a temple, without shame or remorse, is one step forward in fulfilling your purpose. People need to hear the Gospel. They need to be encouraged. They need what you have to offer.
Don’t let the enemy convince you you’re too insignificant to make a difference. God says otherwise. He wants you to have the right view of yourself so that you can lead others rightly. And it all starts with your identity being established in Him, viewing your life as an instrument for His glory, and saying, “Here I am, send me.”
More Resources for Your Journey:
A Prayer for God's Direction in Your Life Choices
God's Powerful Words to Those Struggling with Body Image Issues
Originally published January 16, 2026.
