My body is a gift, not my god.
In bodybuilding, it's easy for others to see what we do as vanity or selfishness. Maybe that is true for some people, but for many athletes and for me, there is something much deeper happening beneath the surface.
We all have gifts from God. Some are spiritual gifts, while others are woven into the way He created us. You may be gifted musically, academically, athletically, artistically, physically, or through your ability to communicate and connect with others.
For some of us, that gift includes round muscle bellies, a balanced structure, or the ability to build a strong physique. But the body is still the gift.
Even if you are not a bodybuilder or genetically gifted for the sport, your body is a gift from God. We are responsible for stewarding it well. The problem begins when caring for the gift becomes worshiping the gift.
When the gift becomes the focus
How are you using what God has given you? Has your body become your god?
It is good to be proud of your progress and celebrate what you have accomplished. I encourage that. But those accomplishments should not come at the expense of your health, peace, purpose, or relationship with God.
After my last show, the Holy Spirit convicted me because I had gotten off mission. Instead of focusing on why I was there, I became consumed by the fact that I did not place. My mission was never simply to win. It was to be a light, encourage others, and point people to Christ.
I let the outcome become more important than the assignment.
Use the gift for His glory
Whatever your gift may be, do not make it your god. Use what God has given you to serve others, reflect His character, and fulfill the purpose He has placed on your life. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23 NIV
So yes, I have muscle. That may be why many of you are here. But if you are going to look at me, I want to make sure that my mission, not my physique, is the main attraction.
My body is a gift, not my god.
For the Biblical Bodybuilder community, next Monday night's meet-up (Nov 16, 2026), we'll dive into scripture and how to steward our bodies and abilities without making them our identity. Join the community and RSVP here.