Modeling More Than Muscles

Faith & Fitness Magazine: John, when I found your profile on the Bodybuilding.com website it was great to see in the “how I stay motivated” section that you quote a few verses from the Bible. It says things like “He enables me to stand on the heights, my arms can bend a bow of bronze and you stoop down to make me great”. Are those simply vivid and motivational words that help you envision a stronger you? What about this passage really motivates you?

John Rozmus: It is simply recognition of where my true power comes from. I give credit to God for all the things I have accomplished, and that in itself is what motivates me to give all of my heart in everything I do. Specifically the words in this passage stood out to me. It paints a vivid picture of what we are capable of achieving with God as our foundation. Simply stated, this passage reminds me that God is the source of all my inspiration and success. The way I see it, people are inspired by two things, what they want to be, and what they don’t want to be. This Bible verse (Psalm 18:32-36) is a constant reminder of the man I’m aspiring to be.

FF: Why do you think so many people create profiles on Bodybuilding.com? There must be a lot of people that have a need to show off their accomplishments. Tell us about your profile there.

JR: I believe the surface reason why a lot of people create profiles on Bodybuilding.com is because they want to connect and network with other like-minded people. It is a great resource for that. However, the underlying reasons are likely less admirable. When you spend a lot of time on the appearance of your body, you can naturally develop a desire to show it off and attract attention to yourself. Everybody wants to receive recognition for their accomplishments, but that has potential for becoming an unhealthy addiction. I have personally struggled with this. It is difficult to find a balance between utilizing such a resource for its many benefits without getting drawn into the negative aspects. I used to spend a lot more time on there and my profile used to be more about myself. Now, I have made a conscious effort to restrict my use and start using the profile primarily to motivate others through my faith, rather than for personal recognition.

FF: So you’ve gone from puny to pumped… spiritually that is. You say you were a Catholic in name only, not really personally embracing your faith in God. Then in your high school years something changed.

JR: Yes, I had my first communion and confirmation when I was really young. For me, it didn’t mean anything at the time. I just did it because my parents made me. My parents were raised Catholic but didn’t practice it. We never went to church. I would have considered myself an agnostic, maybe even an atheist in my early years. I was however always curious about religion, but I was turned off by the ceremonies of Catholicism. For me personally as a young hyperactive boy with a short attention span they were boring. I was looking for something deeper. I didn’t like the inconsistency of luck, but I wanted to believe in something more than myself.

Then one day during my sophomore year of high school I went to the eye doctor for an appointment. While in the waiting room I noticed a Bible on the stack of magazines. I started reading it out of sheer curiosity. I began at Genesis and was intrigued by the stories. I later went home and found my father’s Bible from college. I continued reading it for the next two years until I completed it, and have continued re-reading it to this day. At first I was skeptical, but my faith started to develop as I gained a knowledge and understanding of God’s words. There was no one particular instance in which I acknowledged Christ as my lord and savior or suddenly became a Christian. It was a slow and steady process that occurred throughout those two years. My relationship with God gradually grew into what it is today.

FF: Come on you’re telling me that you got turned on to God simply by reading through the Bible? There was no pressure from your parents, teachers, peers or others? Must have been some pretty good reading?

JR: Hah, yes that is exactly what I am saying. My discovery and early journey with God was a solitary one. I had no support from other Christians. It was just the Bible and John. As a result, I feel that my spiritual bond with God was a direct one. It was not sourced through or dependent upon anybody else. That may be why it is so strong. My faith was not filtered through imperfection, but received directly from the source. I was able to receive a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of God through reading the Bible. I’m not surprised when a person’s faith wavers when they rely on other people or events. People and events can disappoint them. Those who read the Bible have a firmly established foundation in their knowledge and understanding of God. I am not trying to diminish the value of Christian community, that is a vital part of the Christian life. I simply believe that every Christian should first have a firmly founded faith in the Bible.

FF: At what point did it transition from being an intellectual activity into being a new and challenging way to live your life? Describe some of the transitions that took place.

JR: It was a gradual transition that took place throughout the two years I spent reading the Bible for the first time. I can’t name a specific point when I transitioned from disbelief to belief. It happened as God’s words penetrated deeper into my heart. I did however notice new challenges and changes in my life. The more I learned and understood, the more obedient I became to God. My vernacular became more polite. I became a better student. I started becoming active in the community. My habits started changing as I started making different choices and decisions. I started acting differently and valuing different things. I started listening to different music. I started associating with different people and more. My entire lifestyle changed and I truly became a new person.

FF: How did bodybuilding gain an important place in your life? How do you feel bodybuilding is different for you compared to other bodybuilders you know that don’t have a personal experience with God?

JR: I have always had an interest in bodybuilding. I started lifting weights at a young age because I admired the muscular physiques of my favorite athletes and celebrities. It kind of became my identity. I also played a lot of sports. It wasn’t until I graduated high school and stopped playing sports that I started to get serious about bodybuilding (my personal training is simply for a healthy lifestyle not for competition).

I feel that bodybuilding is drastically different for me than it is for other bodybuilders who do not have a relationship with God. I believe that bodybuilding, like online networking, is a balancing act with a thin line of distinction between glorifying God and glorifying oneself. I believe that God loves what we love and that most things can be done for his glory. Some are just harder to keep separate.

For me, bodybuilding provides a platform to proclaim my faith and be an example. It also disciplines me in the virtues of dedication and perseverance. A stronger body leads to a stronger mind and spirit. The Bible is clear that we are to take care of our bodies while refraining from vanity. God encourages physical training. The Bible says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” This is the distinction between those bodybuilders who have a relationship with God and those that do not. When you value God higher than yourself, you humbly seek to glorify God. If you simply value “self” then your goals are personal satisfaction, recognition and attention. Identity is then established in appearance. Those who have a relationship with God establish their identities in Christ.

FF: All your training has led to a well-developed picture-perfect physique.
You have done and continue to do some modeling. Tell me about that. What goes through your mind when you are modeling?
Do you ever feel you are compromising your faith when you model in underwear?

JR: Thank you. I got into modeling through bodybuilding. Photographers saw my pictures online and contacted me about doing photo shoots. In 2009 I decided to try it. That first shoot led to more opportunities. I have continued to pursue it since. Very similar to bodybuilding, modeling provides a platform to proclaim my faith and be an example to others. It has also helped improve my self-confidence and my ability to be in front of people and speak.

However, the concern of being perceived as a hypocrite is always heavy on my mind, especially with modeling. That is probably my greatest fear, to be a bad example. I strive to live a godly life and model myself in a way that would be consistent with God’s values. I openly express my faith and want to live transparently, so that people will view me as a representative of Christ. Yet, I know that I am not perfect and that I often make mistakes. I am aware that modeling can be viewed in a bad light, being associated with pride, vanity and lust. This is challenging, and it is easy to refuse to see the good in it. But it is my hope to be salt and light to the industry, revealing that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

I have struggled with the dilemma of whether or not underwear modeling is compromising to my faith. Others certainly have noted it as a potential issue. I can see how it can provoke lust and inappropriate thoughts. I realize it can portray me differently than I intend. Yet, I know it can be used for good according to God’s purpose, consecrated by the word of God and prayer. This has been affirmed by the encouragement I have received from my mentors and others who have found inspiration in me. I do this for Him and I am forever grateful. I give my modeling to God by keeping a key Bible verse in mind, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” All I have is what he gave me. All I am is who he made me. So, let the glory and the praise be to God.

FF: How do you feel your physique motivates others?

JR: I feel that my physique motivates others to be healthy. Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. My appearance may draw people, but when they see from where my motivation comes, I believe it will motivate them to strengthen all aspects of their life. That is my hope at least. A muscular physique does not come without discipline and perseverance, and these are values that transcend all dimensions of life. I hope it is such values that I inspire in others.

FF: Describe how you feel Jesus Christ calls you personally to model the image of God for others to see.

JR: Jesus has inspired in me a desire to live my life for others. He has given me opportunities to share his love and passion. He instilled in me a strong desire to make a difference in the world. So, I get involved in charitable work and invest my life in helping people. He provided me with a platform, through bodybuilding and modeling, to be an example and inspiration to others. Still, I am only in the beginning of my journey. I believe Christ has greater plans for me. What I’m doing now will prepare me for that.

FF: You have started a non-profit organization called Clothes 4 Hunger to benefit world hunger relief efforts. Share more about this work.

JR: A friend of mine, Jon Davis, and I started Clothes 4 Hunger in 2009. He and I are very similar. We are both into bodybuilding and used to work out together. We also attend church and a Bible study together. In addition, we both have a desire to do more with our lives and make a difference in the world. I have always felt that if I was going to invest in charity I would primarily want to focus on hunger, because hunger is one of the few global issues that is theoretically solvable.

So, Jon and I started looking into causes we could support. Jon came up with the idea to design apparel that could be sold to raise funds for hunger relief organizations. Clothes 4 Hunger is a non-profit fundraising organization that benefits world hunger relief efforts. Our mission is to inform the public about world hunger and provide financial support to international hunger relief organizations through the sale of apparel. We plan to accomplish our mission by selling t-shirts representing each of the continents (excluding Antarctica). The proceeds from each sale will be donated to established and reliable hunger relief organizations operating out of the geographical location corresponding to the representative shirt purchased. Our vision is to become a recognized brand with our apparel being sold online and in department stores.

FF: How do you feel this effort helps you to model the compassion of Christ and inspire others to be active in the lives of others?

JR: Christ is clear in his instruction to help the poor and oppressed. He says that when we help people who suffer from hunger, thirst, being a stranger, poverty, illness and imprisonment we are really helping him. By doing that we receive the kingdom of heaven as our inheritance. But those who do not help the oppressed will be cast out from the presence of God.

Also in the Bible the true purpose of fasting is explained in that it is a sacrifice of oneself to help those who are in need. I believe that through making an effort to help the hungry I am modeling the compassion of Christ because I am living according to his values.

I believe that life is worth so much more when you are living it for others. I know the greatest rewards I receive are not monetary but the simple gratitude from those I’ve helped. Making a difference in another person’s life is the most fulfilling accomplishment achievable. I hope my efforts will inspire people to consider being active in their community. I believe once they try it, the satisfaction they receive will be enough to motivate them to continue. All it takes is making a difference in one life. That changes the lives of many. I believe that God created us as individual parts of a larger whole, each with our own strengths and weaknesses. Only through working together can we truly accomplish great things. I do some personal writing and once expressed my perspective this way:


My life it means nothing when I’m living for myself /
Trying to satisfy desires instead of helping someone else /
While there are people around the world who are crying out for help /
Yet I’m putting myself first and placing them upon the shelf /
And I know I should be living as to leave a good impression /
But instead I’m wasting life, Lord I need your intervention! /
Make my life worth something. Turn me into someone great /
Like the good and faithful servants who have passed on through your gates /
Because there’s so much more of which I’m capable, so much more my life is worth /
Don’t let me waste it all away as I return into the earth.

FF: I understand you’ll be serving with the Peace Corps in Africa. What prompted you to do that? How are you hoping it will shape your future?

JR: I have always been interested in the Peace Corps. I feel it will be an incredible experience and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, as well as myself. I’ve decided that immediately after graduating college would be the ideal time in my life to take advantage of it. I will be leaving for Africa about six months after I graduate.

Not only will this experience shape my future, it will change my life. I’m not sure what to expect at this point, but I have faith in God and I am willing to go where he sends me. My plan right now is to possibly look into law school once I return from service, and then pursue a career in public service. I would like to work on global issues, possibly international relations, anti drug/human trafficking or something along those lines. I’m called to do something where I can make a difference in the world. I’m not quite sure yet what that is, so I am just going to concentrate on what’s before me.

I do plan on continuing my work in charitable efforts, especially world hunger relief. Regardless of what my future entails, I believe the Peace Corps will be a huge investment and will prepare me for wherever life leads me, through diverse cultural exposure, immense responsibilities and a life changing experience.

FF: Which takes more effort, bodybuilding or your faith journey with God? Why is that?

JR: My faith journey with God takes far more effort. This is because our journey with God is an intimate relationship, more so than any other, that must be continually nurtured or it will fade away. If I go without exercising and abandon my diet I will notice changes in my body within a few days. If I go without God, I notice a difference throughout that day. To get far away from God it takes a long time period of neglect, just like starving doesn’t happen immediately when you don’t eat. The longer you go without eating, the more affected you are by malnourishment. Likewise, the less time you spend with God the more your spirit gets deprived and your mind starts wandering away.

Aligning yourself with God leads to a constant battle with Satan. With bodybuilding I may be fighting physical urges of laziness or cravings for certain foods. But, with my faith I am constantly battling physical, mental and spiritual attacks. I fight temptation from all directions. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The temptations associated with faith are far more difficult to resist than those associated with bodybuilding. The spiritual battle extends beyond the physical and mental realms. Victory in this war depends on a lot more than us; it is only achieved through the grace of God.

FF: It is clear you know what it takes to build a strong and muscular body. What would you say it takes to build a strong and muscular spirit? How do you want to go further to better define your spiritual muscle-tone?

JR: The answer to this question is simply time with God. Just as time in the gym makes you stronger, time with God makes you more spiritually mature. I would suggest the best way to grow in spiritual strength is to spend adequate time in both prayer and studying the Bible. These represent the core exercises for increasing spiritual strength. The auxiliary exercises would then be finding a church to attend, assembling a circle of influence comprised of other Christians and getting involved in the community.

Personally, my favorite exercise for increasing spiritual strength is memorizing scripture. What you memorize then becomes part of your repertoire for fighting temptation and spreading the word of God. This opens up more avenues for which the Holy Spirit can speak through you. I started with, and recommend to others that they start with some passages in the Bible frequently referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. It is the summary of Jesus’ moral teachings all in his words. I memorized one section/topic per day, and it took me about three weeks to complete.

I want to continue in my journey with God by growing closer to Him and learning more about Him. I continue to read the Bible daily and recently began again at Genesis with the intention of reading it straight through. I also want to continue in my practice of memorizing scripture. Finally, I hope to be reaching out to more people through my charity work. I want to spend more time in a community environment with other Christians, growing together and building on each other’s faith.

Discouragement can be the birth of either motivation or despair. Some will choose to give up, others to overcome. In the end, victory is a question of perseverance.