A loving heads-up for the looksmaxxing movement

4 min read

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! -Galatians 5:22-23

One shouldn’t be surprised by anything these days, but I have to admit I was surprised when I heard about a new trend emerging among young men. It’s the social media phenomenon called Looksmaxxing, which Copilot describes as “the practice of deliberately optimizing one’s physical appearance through grooming, fitness, style, diet, and sometimes extreme or surgical interventions.”

Looksmaxxing unashamedly takes men’s health and fitness to a whole new level. Casting aside any sense of modesty or humility, looksmaxxing is all about the look. Also known as Vitalism, at its core this new wave is simply a recycled pagan philosophy that worships strength and excellence as ends in themselves. It assumes that there is power and advantage to be gained by the optics of personal presentation so that what used to be dress for success is now do whatever you need to do to achieve an image.

A little push-back

Perhaps a heads-up is in order. To my son and his generation of young bros, I propose a timeout to pause and think.

While there is everything right about taking good care of your body through self-discipline in fitness, nutrition, and grooming habits, to do so without also diligently attending to the development of your character is tragically shortsighted. The Bible, the ultimate manual on how to maximize your life, could not be any clearer on this.

The apostle Paul, speaking to his younger, self-conscious student, Timothy, broke it down like this:

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 1 Timothy 4:7-9

Apparently, Timothy was processing the ideas of looksmaxxing in his own day and Paul’s instruction helped him sort it out. Notice that Paul did not dismiss the value of exercise; he just placed a higher premium on character development and becoming a more godly person.

Elsewhere, Paul had made it clear that it doesn’t take work to be saved, because salvation is a gift that we receive by the grace of God. It does take work, however, to become more like Jesus. You tend to grow spiritually in proportion to your effort.

The life of David is another great example. When Samuel was scouting out the future king of Israel and David and his older brothers were the eight prospects, God told Samuel not to settle on the one who had the most swag. Rather, he said,

“Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” -1 Samuel 16:7

David was number eight in line, the last one to get a look. Though he was small in stature at the time, he had a big heart for God and for that reason alone, he got the thumbs up.

While there is everything right about taking good care of your body through self-discipline in fitness, nutrition, and grooming habits, to do so without also diligently attending to the development of your character is tragically shortsighted.

Gentlemen, as you sort through all the options on how to approach life, here’s a counter-cultural alternative: Spiritmaxxing. To spiritmaxx is to flourish in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the metrics of spiritual growth and development and the truest metrics of a God-centered life.

When these virtues increase, not only is it to God’s glory, but also to our gain.

But how does it happen? How do you go about spiritmaxxing? In sum, by focusing less on yourself and more on Jesus. On the Word of Christ, the more you center your life on him, the more these virtues will be on display in you. “Abide in me,” Jesus said, and you “will bear much fruit.”

In Spiritmaxxing, there are no shortcuts. Just like in the gym, it takes discipline, dedication, and a refusal to quit. To enjoy the fruit, you must embrace the pursuit.

So go on, take that supplement and try that new workout. Do what you can without harming yourself to look your best.

But be sure also to regularly open your heart to God as you meditate on the Word. Bow often in prayer. Keep working out your faith.

Because to maximize your physical appearance isn’t a bad thing. But to maximize your potential in Christ, that’s the ultimate thing.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.