I glance at the glossy magazines lining the racks of the grocery store. They seem to march in a mocking parade of unattainable standards. Bold headlines proclaim secrets to the perfect body, while celebrities share their keys to success and good looks.
Wherever we go, we are assaulted by advertisements, models, and an overall culture that screams out its standards to us - constantly making us wish we were more. More beautiful...more athletic...more intelligent - flawless.
As I reflect on the magazines in the store, it reminds me of the countless Christian books, articles, music, and even sermons about beauty. You are beautiful, because God made you! they proclaim. Feel good about yourself! Don't worry about how you look, because...well...Jesus loves you, this you know - right?
Well, I'm just going to be straightforward. I've heard all that, and honestly, it doesn't mean a thing to me when I look in the mirror. Sure, God loves me. But what about the way I look? I think. To be honest, we are all tempted in different ways by the flawless appearances that are presented to us by the culture. Inwardly, I find myself wishing I didn't look the way I do.
Living in such a self-centered world, I tend to drift to the mirror - evaluating myself by the standards of what I see and know is praised. Do you know what I find? Of course, I'm not satisfied with what's looking back at me. Oddly, though, I look at it more. My visits to the mirror become more frequent, and my ruthless scrutiny increases. Indeed, these thoughts begin to consume more and more of my thoughts and time.
Do you know what the truth of it is?
When you put your body under the microscope of worldly requirements, you see how far you fall short. The closer you lean in, the more flaws you see. In the desperation for something perfect...something to be proud of - you actually end up discovering how imperfect you really are.
It's a merciless cycle, and our culture is only too eager to "help" us look our best.
It's easy to become unhappy with who I am. How do I make myself look good? Oh, there's millions of suggestions for that. Thank goodness you asked! We have everything you need to appear your best, they'll tell you. And no wonder, for there are millions of dollars to be made off of insecure and empty people like myself.
Then the LORD gives me a timely realization. When all we see is ourselves, the more focused on ourselves we become; yet we remain unsatisfied and empty and grow more discouraged than we were to begin with.
So what's the answer?
We can see the world doesn't have it, but the Christian community too often gets it wrong as well. Let me tell you what's NOT the answer - trite affirmations of self worth and feeble statements like, "God loves you no matter what!" Honestly, all we need is one more Christian book or song or article that reminds us we're special because God made us, so just feel better about yourself!
At the risk of being blunt, I say enough!
God doesn't want us to spend all of our life using spiritual pep talks to boost self-worth, or ignore the effects of sin and death on our dying bodies.
Don't get me wrong. I deeply believe that each and every human being has been made in the image of the Almighty Creator. We are precious and honored in His sight, and He loves us. But it's time to stop trying to get the warm feeling inside of self-acceptance. Because the only way we can really start feeling good about ourselves is through true identity in Christ.
Let that sink in.
Real, lasting peace that you can feel down in the depths of your soul does not come through shallow attempts to make yourself perfect is the eyes of the world; but through Jesus Christ, the Giver of Peace himself.
The LORD gently shows me that the more that I strive to become one with Christ, the more joy He gives. He is the only one who can make us feel complete.
Therefore, what should our goal be?
Instead of constantly evaluating the way we look in the eyes of the world, we should be putting the mirror of Christ's perfection up to our hearts.
Just like a mirror reflects our appearance, Christ reflects our spiritual walk. If we focus on the goodness of Christ, our imperfections are completely covered over by His perfect blood.
So...
Don't let the judgements of the world around you get you down. Instead of becoming inwardly focused, take active steps to grow closer to the beautiful Savior, Jesus Christ - in whom our true identity is found!
