Progress: The Before and After

In the fitness world you see a lot of skin, that is just reality. It is something that we work on and talk about in the gym often. As a Christian, I believe that your body is an incredible gift that God has given to you and your spouse. So what does that have to do with progress?

Would you go to church in your sports bra and tiny shorts? For most Christian women the answer to that is a solid NO! So why then, do you see Christian women posting pictures of themselves in minimal clothing or even their underwear on social media?

Think about it for a second and you'll realize you see them all the time, especially when the person is selling a "fitness supplement". They post these picture under the heading of "before and after" pictures... and we excuse it in the name of "getting healthy".

Don't get me wrong, I think that before and after pictures are fantastic. I have taken them myself many times. However, I  have a couple of issues to bring to mind before you post your before and after picture. 

First things first, is the picture appropriate to be on the Internet? What I mean here is does it honor God? What are you telling your children about modesty? That it only applies certain times and to certain people... good luck fighting that battle when your teenager wants to wear something "colorful". If you are leading small groups, or mentoring one-on-one and talk about modesty and the importance of being a woman of God do you really think that posting half naked pictures of yourself on the Internet is going to help your ministry? What kind of example are you setting for the new believer that watches your every move? You are telling them that God's rules are conditional and that you can mold them to fit each situation, and that simply isn't true.

Another question along this line that I would ask is what does your spouse think about these pictures? Is it honoring to them? Have you asked him/her if they are comfortable with other people seeing your body in a way that was meant to be shared only between you two? 

Finally, my last question would be why are you doing it? Are you truly posting these pictures to help motivate people that don't think they can do it too? Or, are you just chasing approval on social media? I understand making progress and wanting to tell people about it. But I believe that can easily turn into an idol, and overtime will become a much bigger battle to fight. This is where good friends and wise counsel can help you stay on a good path rather than getting lost down a dark road.

If you are posting before and after photos that are God honoring, spouse honoring, and you are doing it for the right reasons then I say go ahead. Post those photos, encourage one another. But if for even a half of a second you question that this is a wise choice, I urge you to talk to an older, wiser mentor and ask them what they think. It takes seconds to upload a picture that can change your ministry and the way that people see you forever. Don't give in to the pressure to be like others when we were called to stand out.