Well, it’s finally summertime and for guys this means, for many of us, seeking to flaunt ourselves for the world to see. I used to be an athlete and, to be honest, there’s something (silly, I think) about a bunch of teen guys getting together–because they try to be as big and bad and loud and awesome as they can be—but the truth is that they all, all of them feel the very same way about themselves. They all doubt themselves and aren’t happy—or maybe even greatly dissatisfied with at least one part of their physical appearance.
Imagine a bunch of bull frogs sitting together in a group. Now, truth be told, it’s been many decades since I was a teenager, but since I work with middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students, you might say that I never really stopped being a teenager.
Summer is the Time for Superlatives
Summer is the time for superlatives. For those of you who were paying attention in English class, a superlative is defined as: an adjective or adverb expressing the highest or a very high degree of a quality. Now, I know that summer is the season when shirts come off for guys and when young women wear swimsuits. And there is a natural tendency to want to look your best-est, bronze-est, buff-est, and most-beautiful-est (yes, I made up several of those words, but you know what I’m trying to say).
We’re All Ambassadors
After all, we’re all representatives of God (2 Corinthians 5:20) and should always dress and act in appropriate and God-honoring ways. However, I want to challenge you to think deeply about why and for whom you are seeking to look your best. Is it for God? Or for your friends? Are you seeking to impress a certain somebody you hope will notice you and possibly ask you out?
Just Skin Deep?
In today’s crazy culture hyper focusing on external beauty and focusing on fashion, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and carried away with your appearance, but the Bible reminds us: “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God” (1 Peter 3: 3, 4, NLT).
Another great question to ask yourself: “How much focus am I putting on how I look?” In my thirty years of doing community mental health, I’ve never seen such a large number of teenagers (males especially) struggle with worrying about their appearance—to the point where it becomes a serious mental health concern (see the “Additional Resources” section). Honestly, I blame social media, smartphones and the sexualized culture. But with all this being true, the bottom line is still that your body is on loan to you by God, and He owns it (1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20). So when you’re by yourself or hanging out with friends, never forget that all you do and what you put into your body is holy, because your body is holy. God resides there (verse 19).
You Don’t Have to Be Swoll to be Swell!
So this summer, as you compare yourself to others, never forget that you don’t have to be swoll to be swell. Because the fact is that: “ . . . God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8, NLT). Jesus thought that you were swell enough to give His body for yours, so that when you get to heaven you can finally and eternally have the perfect body you’ve been working hard for and that you’ve always wanted (1 Corinthians 15:51-54), and more than that, you’ll be able to spend forever with a perfect God in a perfect place.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NLT).
Please use sunscreen. I don’t want you to be part snake and have to shed your skin several times during the summer. Ouch and gross!
Additional Resources
Male Body Dysmorphia is an Epidemic That’s Only Worsening
BDD in Men, and How it Differs
