There is an idea among some Christians that seeks to separate the spiritual from the physical. They emphasize the spiritual affects and blessings of God and downplay the physical, even to the point of saying that we need to deny our physical selves, needs and wants, an only seek the spiritual.

God, however, created us as physical and spiritual beings. Both parts of our being need to be nurtured, cared for, and protected. We see this in the 5th Commandment where we are commanded to not harm others physically as well as care for and protect them.

We also see this in how God cared for Israel in the wilderness (manna, quail, water, their shoes didn’t wear out, etc.). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said not to worry about what you will eat and the clothes you wear, not because they aren’t important, but because God knows you need them and will provide them for you.

We are physical and spiritual beings. Both need to be protected. Both need to be nourished. Both need to be cared for. Let us seek this not only for ourselves, but for our neighbor as well.