Are you exhausted from trying to be a “better Christian,” follow all the rules, or just fix yourself? In this episode, Heather Creekmore dives into the age-old dilemma every believer faces: Am I supposed to be working on me—and if so, how much of it is up to me, and how much is God’s job?

Inspired by the Crowder song “He’s Working on Me Still,” Heather explores the difference between self-powered striving and Spirit-powered transformation. Using honest stories, biblical wisdom (especially from Galatians 5), and practical illustrations, she helps Christian women understand why hustling for holiness leaves us tired—and how true freedom and growth comes when we move from “I’m working on me” to “He’s working on me.”

In This Episode:

• Why spiritual striving, religious rule-following, and willpower can’t bring long-term freedom

• How diet culture mindsets sneak into our faith and make us rely on formulas instead of God

• What it means to step out of the driver’s seat and let God be in control (with relatable analogies and humor)

• The power of relationship over religion and why faith is more than just “doing all the things”

• How to recognize if your spiritual life is based on head knowledge, not heart transformation

• Practical steps to move from self-reliance to Spirit-dependence—including honest reflection questions and the importance of daily worship

Key Takeaway:
Stop striving for self-improvement and start leaning into God’s grace. When we let go of self-reliance and invite the Holy Spirit to lead, we experience true rest, freedom, and lasting spiritual growth.

Mentions & Resources:

• 40-Day Journey: Starts October 1st, with groups beginning October 7th. Details at improvebodyimage.com or directly at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

• Body Image Freedom Framework: Heather’s online course for deeper freedom in the areas discussed in the episode.

• Coaching and community offerings: Here are links to programs designed to equip women for the real battle.

• Book Rec: “When People Are Big and God is Small” by Ed Welch (Amazon affiliate link)

Listener Challenge:
Who’s really in the driver’s seat of your faith right now?

This week, pause and ask God to lead, spend extra time in worship, and notice where you’re striving instead of surrendering.

Leave a Review:
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Subscribe to Compared to Who? for Christian perspectives on body image, freedom from comparison, and finding true rest in Christ.

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In this “Compared to Who?” episode, Heather Creekmore talks about how growing in spiritual maturity can help you break free from comparison and body image struggles. She gently challenges listeners to re-examine the belief that life will be easy if you just do everything right—a mindset she calls “magical thinking.” Instead, Heather explains how holding onto this idea can prevent us from fully trusting God and experiencing real growth.

She shares her personal experiences with disappointment, especially around marriage and body image, and how letting go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations made space for deeper faith and emotional stability. Ultimately, the message is about moving away from idols and quick fixes, and toward a more honest, grace-filled relationship with Jesus—even if it means accepting that life will have its hardships.

There’s a lot more nuance and encouragement in the episode, so it’s definitely worth a listen!

Resources & Opportunities Mentioned:

• 10 Days of Encouragement (Free!):
  Sign up at heathercreekmore.com to get 10 days of personal, encouraging emails straight from Heather.

• Improve Your Body Image—Fall Programs:

  • 40 Day Journey: Starts Oct. 1, with group meetings from Oct. 7. Sign up at improvebodyimage.com (Look for the “40 Day Journey” tab).

  • In His Image Conference:

    Happening outside of Dallas, TX, on Nov. 15. Details here: https://www.wonderfullymadenutritioncounseling.com/events/in-his-image-body-image-conference-for-teen-girls-and-women-2025 (Early bird pricing ends soon!)

Related Episodes to Check Out:

• Coaching Episode with Presli: Surprising Anger and Idols
  (Heather references Presli's honest story of getting unexpectedly upset over a meal—highlighting hidden idols.)

• 4 Ways to Stop Thinking Negatively About Your Body

• How Spiritual Maturity Can Transform Body Image Struggles

• The Comparison-Free Life book: Heather expands on grace, maturity, and living “comparison free.”

Connect & Support:

• Subscribe so you don’t miss this fall’s gentle, but life-changing, journey toward spiritual maturity.

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—Heather loves hearing how the show impacts you!

Find more encouragement and Christ-centered content at the Life Audio Network.

If you’re ready to stop comparing and start truly living, this is the episode for you.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather speaks into the aftermath of last week’s tragic events to address how these unsettling times can actually serve as a wake-up call for Christian women struggling with body image and comparison.

Instead of focusing on the headlines, Heather invites listeners to examine what we’re really battling daily. She explores the big idea that our struggle isn’t with the scale, the mirror, or even other women—it’s a spiritual battle, not “against flesh and blood,” as Ephesians 6:12 says. Heather shares a relatable story about getting a speeding ticket (and her less-than-humble reaction!) as an illustration of the subtle ways pride and self-focus sneak in, keeping us distracted from what God is calling us to.

Here are some references & main themes:

• The assassination of Charlie Kirk: Not the main focus of the episode, but this tragic event is used as context for discussing spiritual wake-up calls and living boldly for Jesus.

• Us vs. them mentality: How cultural polarization and volatility can lead to numbness or withdrawal, even from our spiritual callings.

• Spiritual battle vs. physical struggle: Using Ephesians 6:12, Heather emphasizes we need to recognize the spiritual nature of our struggles—especially with body image, insecurity, and comparison.

• Armor of God (Ephesians 6): Are you more worried about what you wear or making sure you have the armor of God on?

• The lie of “my truth” vs. God’s truth: Heather draws from the cultural trend of embracing “my truth” and contrasts it with God’s truth, especially in how we view ourselves and our worth.

• Pride and self-righteousness: Illustrated through her personal speeding ticket story, reminding us how quickly we default to excusing ourselves and judging others.

• Encouragement for action: Rather than “doing more” or “trying harder,” Heather invites listeners to actually follow Jesus, not just fit Him into their goals and plans.

• Overcoming shame and guilt: She warns listeners not to get caught in the enemy’s trap of shame for not being "further along" in their spiritual walk, and instead to run toward Jesus, the light, and real security.

Programs and Resources Mentioned:

• 40-Day Journey: Starts October 1st, with groups beginning October 7th. Details at improvebodyimage.com or directly at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

• Body Image Freedom Framework: Heather’s online course for deeper freedom in the areas discussed in the episode.

• Coaching and community offerings: Here are links to programs designed to equip women for the real battle.

Questions to Reflect On:

• Which “battle” am I spending most of my time and energy on each day?

• How does believing my own truth about my body or worth keep me from living in God’s truth?

• Am I taking Jesus along for my ride, or am I letting Him lead?

Final encouragement: Heather calls listeners to reject shame, fight the real battle, and let their light shine for Christ. She challenges us to think about how we will be remembered—not as women obsessed with their image, but as those unafraid to shine the light of Jesus.

For more: Listen to this episode for Heather’s personal stories, practical encouragement, and a heartfelt call to step out of comparison and into true freedom. Plus, details on the 40-Day Journey and more great episodes at LifeAudio.com.

Loved this episode? Share, subscribe, and leave a review—or join a journey to grow deeper in faith and freedom!

The Compared to Who? Podcast is part of the Life Audio Podcast Network.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.