Well, how do we improve our body shape without getting fixated on body image?

That's a tricky question, and it comes to us today from an anonymous listener.

No name is given on this email.

Pastor John, hello, thank you for faithfully teaching God's word. I want to

provide some context for my question. I used to be obsessed with the gym and my appearance, always

striving to look better and lift more. I was never satisfied with how I looked and I became

consumed by it. However, after injuring my knee and taking a break, I realized how much this obsession

had controlled me. The injury helped me refocus on treating my body better and moving in ways

that support my health, rather than being anxious about my physical appearance. Now, I go to the

gym about two to three times a week with my mom, not to obsess over my looks,

but to pursue overall health and wellness.

My question is, is it sinful to enjoy how I look as I continue this healthy routine?

I know it's good to be healthy as it gives me more energy and makes me feel better day by day,

but I don't want to fall back into obsession or

dishonor God with my focus. I understand he should be first in all things, including my fitness.

But if I notice my body changing, is that wrong? And if so, how can I turn away from that?

Well, it's interesting to me, Tony, that I cannot tell from this question whether this is a man

or a woman, and probably that's a good thing, since I can easily imagine it being either.

I really can.

So he or she asks, and here's the question, my question is, is it sinful to enjoy how I look as I continue this

healthy routine? If I notice my body changing, presumably in a good way, is that wrong? If so, how can I turn away from that? It is significant,

I think, isn't it that even in the world, the God ignoring self-exhaulting world, the world knows

...