Shalom, Mitspacha!
Respect for created form
"Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the shamayim, and over the livestock, and over all the earth and over all the creeping creatures that creep on the earth. And Elohim created the man in His image, in the image of Elohim He created him - male and female He created them.
- Berĕshith (Genesis) 1:26–27
"Or do you not know that your body is the Mishkan of the Ruaḥ ha’Qodesh who is in you, which you have from Elohim, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price, therefore esteem Elohim in your body and in your spirit, which are of Elohim.
- Qorin’tiyim 1 (1 Corinthians) 6:19–20
YHVH created humanity in His image and according to His likeness. The human body is therefore not an accidental or meaningless possession, but part of His deliberate creation. Our responsibility is to respect what He has made rather than treat His design as something we may disregard or alter according to every passing preference.
The Scriptures remind us that our bodies belong to Elohim. We are entrusted with them, and our choices should reflect that responsibility. Respect for created form involves recognising the distinction and purpose established by the Creator, rather than allowing cultural expectations or personal desires to determine our standards.
It is easy to regard our bodies as entirely our own, subject only to personal preference. Yet the Word reminds us that we were created by YHVH and that our bodies are to honour Him.
Let us consider whether our attitudes and choices show gratitude and respect for His creation. Do we accept the form and purpose He has established, or do we allow the world to persuade us that His design needs our correction?
Respect for created form begins with acknowledging the wisdom of the Creator. May we learn to care for what He has entrusted to us and conduct ourselves in a way that brings Him esteem.
YHVH, thank You for creating us in Your image and for entrusting us with our bodies. Teach us to recognise the value and purpose of Your creation, and help us to treat what You have made with respect.
Give us discernment when the expectations of the world challenge Your design. Guard us against pride, dissatisfaction and the desire to conform to standards that do not honour You. May our attitudes, decisions and conduct reflect gratitude for the life and form You have given us.
Help us to esteem You in our bodies and in our spirits, remembering that we belong to You.
Baruch YHVH. Emet.
YHVH bless you and guard you.
YHVH make His face shine upon you and show you favour.
YHVH lift up His face upon you and give you peace.
- Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24–26
Shalom until tomorrow.