Catechism: What Are We?Sample

We’ve all looked at our reflection in the mirror and wished to see something….different: Whether it’s wanting to be smaller, stronger, or taller, no one is immune from body image issues. 

We can blame it on the beauty industry and the filtered, perfect pictures that fill our feeds, but the real problem is deeper. Deep down, this desire to “fix” our appearance is rooted in a twisted understanding of God’s good design and purpose for our physical bodies. 

Sometimes we think of our bodies and souls as completely separate: that we have a physical side and a spiritual side, and to be more spiritual, we just have to forget or overcome the physical. But our body isn’t something in the way of our purpose. It’s part of it! 

Instead of seeing our bodies as our enemies, we need to recognize that the body is an essential part of our identity, intertwined with our mind, heart, and spirit, with the ultimate purpose of bringing glory to God. God created us to have a relationship with Him and to invite others to walk in a relationship with Him, too. God has given us a unique purpose as mediators between God and the rest of the creation, and we could not fulfill this purpose if we didn’t have bodies.

Read Ephesians 2:4-10

Reflection Questions:

1. What do you think it means to be called God’s masterpiece? How does this change the way you view yourself and treat your body? What about the way you view and treat others?
2. What are some lies you’ve believed about yourself and your purpose? How can you fight these lies when they crop up? 
3. Do you have a sense of the good works God has prepared you to do on earth? If you’re not sure how God wants to use you, ask Him to show you ways you can serve others in your family, school, and church. God wants to use your unique personality and gifts for a purpose. Ask Him how and look for opportunities to use them!