"My worth as a man is tied to having visible abs and muscle."
How it sounds in your head: You're not really respected unless you look strong. Women won't be attracted to you. Other men won't take you seriously. Your body broadcasts your value to everyone who sees you.
"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'"
-- 1 Samuel 16:7World system lie - reducing identity to physical performance and appearance metrics.
Social media constantly shows you that the successful guys are jacked. You notice how differently people treat the fit guy versus the average guy.
Erastus was the treasurer of the entire city of Corinth - a position of massive influence and respect. Scripture never mentions his physique, only his character and position - his impact came from who he was, not how he looked.
I REFUSE the lie that my worth is measured in muscle or appearance. IT IS WRITTEN that the Lord looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. I am not in competition with other men's bodies - I am a son of the King. IT IS WRITTEN that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, accepted in the Beloved. The BARAK blessing is on my life because of COVENANT, not because of my body. I am the head and not the tail regardless of my physical appearance.
Your Father chose you and declared you worthy when you were still a mess - He's not waiting for you to get in shape to be proud of you. He's already running toward you with the signet ring of authority, and your body doesn't change His delight in you.