Personal Cleanliness

May 23, 2024

A casual perusal of the Old Testament, in general, and the Pentateuch, in particular, will show that personal cleanliness or hygiene was important to God and the Israelites. In Christianity, personal cleanliness goes beyond the physical aspect, as it is viewed as a reflection of one’s spiritual purity and devotion to God. Embracing personal cleanliness from a Christian point of view not only fosters good hygiene but also nurtures a deeper connection with God and fellow believers.

In the New Testament, the human body is seen as a sacred vessel, as the Bible states, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Apostle Paul emphasizes the sanctity of the physical body and encourages believers to maintain it in a state of purity and cleanliness. Keeping oneself clean and presentable is a way of honoring God’s gift of life and acknowledging the divine dwelling within.

Concept of Holiness

Personal cleanliness is intertwined with the concept of holiness in Christianity. God is often depicted as pure and holy, and believers are called to imitate His character. Practicing personal hygiene and cleanliness demonstrates a commitment to live a life of self-discipline and purity, both inwardly and outwardly.

Maintaining good hygiene keeps one healthy and protects others from potential illnesses. Keeping our bodies clean and fresh shows respect and consideration for those around us, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion in our daily interactions.

Baptism

There is a spiritual parallel to physical cleanliness demonstrated in the Old Testament. The Levitical priests had to purify and wash before approaching their duties at the temple. Likewise, we see a similar parallel in the New Testament. Just as water cleanses the body, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses believers from sin.

Baptism, a fundamental rite in Christianity, is a powerful symbol of purification and rebirth, where water is used to wash away sins and mark a new life in Christ. This physical act of immersion reinforces the spiritual reality of becoming clean and renewed through Christ’s sacrifice.

There is also a practical side to personal cleanliness. Personal cleanliness is a reflection of how individuals perceive and value themselves. When individuals prioritize their hygiene and appearance, it communicates a sense of self-respect and care for one’s well-being.

For families, bath time can become an important part of building structure and routine as it provides structure and stability, which is always beneficial to children. A consistent routine can improve sleep patterns, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment, all of which contribute to a healthy family balance.

Aspects of Cleanliness

An important and mostly overlooked aspect of cleanliness was the cleansing ritual Israelite warriors practiced before re-entering the camp or society. “A consistent routine can improve sleep patterns, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment, all of which contribute to better mental health.” Numbers 31:19. After the Israelite army had defeated the Midianites, they were instructed to purify themselves and their spoils of war.

The soldiers were required to stay outside the camp for seven days and purify their bodies, equipment, and clothing—including the spoils of war. After this ritual, the warriors were ritually better prepared to return home after the defilement of combat. This seven-day period allowed them to process events with those who shared the experiences mentally and physically.

Any work involving the Tabernacle or the Temple also required cleansing and purification. The priests and Levites had special rituals to prepare them to come into the presence of the Lord.

Tying all of this together, beyond mere physical hygiene, personal cleanliness can reflect a spiritual devotion, self-discipline, and love for God and fellow believers. Embracing cleanliness in daily life not only honors the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit but also nurtures a deeper connection with God.

Author: Jon-Roy Sloan is the Chief Communications Officer for NationsUniversity and the author of Anastasia Smiles: Love Needs No Translation. Disclaimer statement: Please note that the opinions expressed herein are those of the author alone and are based on his personal understanding of scripture and how God works in our lives and do not necessarily reflect the views of NationsUniversity®.