An article I came across in a religious magazine posed some challenging questions about the growing "cult" of body worship. To make its point, the article carried a reprint of an advertisement for a popular body-building machine. The ad pictured a muscular man and a trim young woman. Bold letters proclaimed "THE $495 BODY," followed by the pitch "Imagine getting the body you've always dreamed of. In your own home or apartment." With obvious irony, in a caption beneath this ad, the article asked, "The body magnificent: Exactly what is it, and can it be bought on the installment plan?" Kenneth Vaux, "How Do I Love Me," Christianity Today, September 20, 1985, p. 23.
The extravagant attention given to the physical form by so many in contemporary society presents something of a paradox. On the one hand, this body worship would seem to improve the human condition, at least to make a particular segment of society more athletic, in some ways stronger physically, more self-satisfied, and perhaps, many would think, more pleasing to look at. Yet for all the effort and money expended on "me-first," the larger body—the world itself—isn't really any healthier or happier. The heart of humanity agonizes no less over tragedies of hunger, poverty, crime, war, tyranny, and diseases that no amount of body worship can cure. And even the simple but much-needed expressions of Christian love between two neighbors can be too easily passed over in favor of devoting one's time and attention to yet another workout or visit to the spa.
The picture of a "$495 body" might seem appealing, but real identity and the value of life are actually something far different from a finely tuned and sculptured physique. Perhaps individual worth—individual stature and magnificence—has more to do with how well we listen to God, follow His will, and use our talents to glorify Him and to serve our fellow men and women.
