Is It Okay for a Christian to Be Obese?
Introduction
Physical size is a complex issue, often involving genetics, metabolism, emotional struggles, and diet. A Christian's evaluation of obesity should avoid judgmentalism, focusing instead on the spiritual principles of stewardship, self-control, and honoring God with the body. While the body's ultimate appearance is not the final measure of spiritual worth, the deliberate neglect of one's health is seen as poor stewardship of God's temple.
1. The Principle of Stewardship: Honoring God’s Temple
The primary biblical instruction regarding physical health is that the body is not one's own, but belongs to God and should be managed well.
The Body as the Holy Spirit’s Temple: The New Testament is explicit that a believer's body has been bought by Christ and is now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. This gives the Christian a sacred obligation to care for their physical well-being. Failure to care for the body can be seen as poor stewardship of this precious dwelling place.
Scripture Says: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
The Call for Good Health: While God can use the weak and sick, pursuing good health is part of the Christian's witness, allowing them to serve God effectively for a longer time. Good physical health is a wise goal, not an optional luxury.
Scripture Says: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." (3 John 1:2).
2. The Spiritual Danger: Gluttony and Lack of Self-Control
The spiritual concern related to obesity lies in the habits that often lead to it, particularly a lack of discipline and the sin of gluttony.
The Sin of Gluttony: Gluttony is the excessive, unrestrained indulgence in food (or drink) for pleasure, often to the point of impairment or wastefulness (as discussed in the lesson on food waste). While not all obesity is caused by gluttony, a pattern of over-consumption driven by self-indulgence falls under the spiritual warning against a lack of self-control.
Scripture Says: "For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Romans 8:5).
Self-Control as a Fruit of the Spirit: The Bible lists self-control as one of the essential Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). The Christian must strive for discipline in all areas of life—finances, time, and especially appetites. A persistent lack of control over eating habits can be an indication of a deeper spiritual need for growth in the Spirit's discipline.
3. The Mandate for Compassion and Focus
The Christian perspective must be balanced, avoiding judgment while prioritizing the inner person.
Avoid Judgmentalism: Christians should never judge another believer's spiritual state based on their outward appearance or weight. Obesity can be caused by various factors, including underlying health issues, medications, and emotional/psychological struggles that require compassion and professional help, not condemnation.
Scripture Says: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." (Matthew 7:1).
The Priority of the Inner Person: Ultimately, God looks at the heart. While stewardship of the body matters, it does not define a person's relationship with God. Inner holiness is always the ultimate priority.
Scripture Says: "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).
Conclusion
It is a Christian's duty to strive for good health and exercise self-control as part of honoring God's design.
While physical obesity is a symptom that should be addressed through responsible lifestyle changes and seeking help, the core spiritual issue is the lack of discipline or the sin of gluttony that may contribute to it.
A Christian should view addressing health not as a pursuit of worldly beauty, but as an act of faithful stewardship of the sacred temple of the Holy Spirit.
