The Danger of Chasing Approval in Bodybuilding and Fitness
In the bodybuilding and fitness world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of external validation; the applause, the likes, the trophies, or even just the nods of approval from people at your gym. Whether you’re a competitive natural bodybuilder, a passionate lifter, or someone just trying to transform your physique, the pressure to prove yourself can feel overwhelming.
I know this firsthand. As a competitor, my life often revolves around intense training sessions, strict nutrition, and the ultimate test of stepping on stage. But here’s what I’ve learned: if your “why” is built on the world’s approval, you’ll never feel satisfied. Read that again.
The truth is, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve your body, grow stronger, or even compete. But why you do it matters. When we shift our focus from building strength for ourselves to building strength for God’s glory, the entire journey transforms.
The World’s Lies About Worth
The world constantly tries to define our value by things that don’t last:
- Appearance: How lean, muscular, or “fit” we look
- Performance: How much weight we lift, how hard we train, or how many titles we win
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Perception: Likes, followers, and compliments
However, those foundations are fragile. The moment our physique changes, someone outperforms us, or the attention fades, our sense of worth comes crashing down. Romans 12:2 reminds us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As Christian lifters, our identity must be rooted in Christ alone, not in what we see in the mirror or hear from the crowd.
Letting Go of Ego and Embracing God’s Work in Me
One of the biggest lessons I’ve been learning during this prep is letting go of my ego, my need to prove myself to others. I’ll be honest, there are still moments when I slip up. I’m not perfect. There are days when I catch myself thinking, “I’ve got the best physique, the strongest mindset, and no one can outwork me.” But that’s when God gently reminds me that this journey isn’t about me.
Whenever pride creeps in, I go to Him in prayer and tell Him, “Lord, don’t stop working on me. Don’t let me stay stuck in this mindset.” And He doesn’t because He loves us too much to leave us where we are.
The World’s Timeline vs. God’s Timing
In today's society, our culture loves instant transformation. It's a trend. It's a must. It's what defines you as a person. Am I right? Sadly, in some churches, there’s this unspoken message that if you don’t have it all together or show spiritual growth within a certain timeframe, you’re not really following Christ. But that’s not how God works. Sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ, is a lifelong journey, not a 24-hour spiritual makeover.
When I asked God to help me let go of my pride and ego, I had to be prepared for what that really meant, and let me tell you, when you pray that kind of prayer, God WILL answer… but it might not be in the way you expect! Sometimes I even laugh to myself, “Well, I asked for it!” But deep down, I know every challenge and humbling moment is Him lovingly shaping me into the man He created me to be.
Seeing God’s Work in My Prep
As I continue through this prep, I’m starting to see how God is shaping not just my body but also my character. I’m slowly maturing, learning to let go of the need to be “the best of the best” or to think no one can beat me because I’m the hungriest bodybuilder in the gym. Like I said earlier, I have my slip-ups, but I get back on track and continue moving forward.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean I stop working hard. It means my motives have shifted.
I no longer want to be the guy who chases titles just to prove something to the world.
I want to be a man whose strength, discipline, and perseverance point back to God’s glory.
Your Turn to Reflect
As you read my story, I want to invite you to reflect on your own journey. Whether you’re deep into bodybuilding, passionate about training, or simply working toward better health, these questions will help you pause and let God speak to your heart:
- Where do you find your worth right now? Is it in your physique, performance, or in who you are in Christ?
- What shifts do you need to make to focus more on God’s glory instead of the world’s approval?
- What area of your fitness or spiritual journey tempts you to struggle with pride or comparison?
- How could you surrender that area to God and invite Him to shape your heart?
- Have you ever felt pressure to “fix” your spiritual life quickly to meet others’ expectations?
- What would it look like to embrace God’s process of growth, even if it’s slow and sometimes painful?
I encourage you to take a few quiet moments today to reflect on these questions. Read them slowly, answer them honestly, and bring them before God without holding anything back. Don’t feel pressured to find the “perfect” words. He already knows your heart and can handle every thought and emotion you bring to Him. You may be surprised by the peace and clarity that follow when you simply come to Him as you are.
Final Thoughts
Building strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights or sculpting an impressive physique. It’s about allowing God to strengthen your character, so you can face every challenge with humility, grace, and purpose.
Your body is temporary, but your soul is eternal. When you choose to train for God’s glory, you not only transform your body, but you also transform your heart and inspire others to do the same. As you head into your next workout, ask yourself this simple but powerful question: “Am I lifting for the likes, or am I lifting for the Lord?”
God's Word for Today: Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
