How the World's Standards Are a Dangerous Distraction from Beauty in Christ
- Emmanuel Abimbola Contributing Writer
- Updated Aug 15, 2023
Our world is obsessed with external appearances, and as Christians, we need to reflect on the true meaning of beauty and its significance in our lives. Society bombards us with unattainable beauty standards, dictating how we should look, dress, and present ourselves. These expectations can cause tremendous pressure, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even a distorted view of our worth. As believers in Christ, we must recognize and challenge the dangers that lie within these societal beauty standards. The Bible teaches us that true beauty stems from the inner character and heart rather than external features. In 1 Samuel 16:7, we are reminded,
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “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." NLT
Our Heavenly Father looks beyond the surface and evaluates us based on the state of our hearts, the purity of our intentions, and our devotion to Him. However, our culture has veered far from this biblical perspective. We are bombarded with airbrushed images, unrealistic beauty standards, and an ever-changing ideal that is impossible to achieve. These societal pressures lead many to engage in harmful behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and even invasive cosmetic procedures, all in pursuit of an elusive "perfect" image. Yet, these pursuits often leave individuals feeling empty, dissatisfied, and trapped in a never-ending cycle of comparison and self-criticism. As followers of Christ, we must recognize the dangers associated with these societal beauty standards. We are called to be set apart, to reflect the image of our Creator rather than conforming to the world's expectations (Romans 12:2). Embracing a Christ-centered perspective on beauty enables us to rise above the cultural noise and find true fulfillment in our identity as God's beloved children.
The Pressure of Societal Beauty Standards
The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards weighs heavily on many individuals, especially women. From a young age, we are bombarded with images of flawlessly airbrushed models, celebrities with perfect figures, and social media influencers who seem to have it all together. These unrealistic ideals seep into our subconscious, creating a nagging voice that tells us we are not good enough as we are.
The pressure to conform to these standards can be overwhelming. It whispers to us that our worth is directly tied to our appearance and that we must fit into a specific mold to be accepted, loved, and valued. It feeds on our insecurities and fosters a culture of comparison, where we measure our self-worth against unattainable beauty benchmarks. Moreover, societal beauty standards are ever-changing, making it nearly impossible to keep up. What was considered beautiful yesterday may be deemed outdated or undesirable today. This constant shifting of the goalposts leaves individuals in a perpetual state of striving, always feeling inadequate and dissatisfied with their reflection in the mirror.
The pressure to conform often leads to detrimental behaviors. Many individuals resort to extreme measures to achieve the desired look, such as crash diets, excessive exercise, or even harmful cosmetic procedures. The pursuit of an idealized appearance becomes an obsession, overshadowing other aspects of life and having a detrimental impact on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These beauty standards also contribute to the erosion of self-esteem and the development of negative body image. When we constantly compare ourselves to an unattainable standard, we inevitably find flaws in our bodies. We become hyper-aware of every imperfection, feeling self-conscious and unworthy. This negative self-perception can lead to a host of issues, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. As Christians, we must recognize the dangers associated with these societal beauty standards. They distract us from our true purpose and identity in Christ. The Bible reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), designed by God Himself. Our worth is not determined by the world's opinions or superficial appearances but by the fact that we are beloved children of the Most High.
The Unrealistic Expectations Set by the Media
One of the primary sources that perpetuate societal beauty standards and place immense pressure on individuals is the media. Whether through television, magazines, movies, or social media platforms, the media plays a significant role in shaping our perception of what is considered attractive and desirable. However, the standards portrayed by the media are often far from reality and create unrealistic expectations that can be damaging to our self-esteem and overall well-being.
Magazines and advertisements are notorious for airbrushing and digitally altering images, presenting an unattainable and flawless version of beauty. These images, carefully constructed to enhance certain features while erasing imperfections, create an illusion that is impossible to replicate in real life. Consequently, individuals are left feeling inadequate and dissatisfied with their appearance, constantly comparing themselves to these manufactured ideals. Furthermore, the media promotes a narrow and restrictive view of beauty by primarily showcasing a specific body type, facial features, and skin tone. This promotion of an "ideal" look excludes the vast diversity of human beauty and sends a damaging message that only a select few fit into society's definition of attractiveness. This exclusionary perspective can lead to feelings of exclusion, body shame, and low self-esteem among those who do not conform to these narrow standards.
The Dangers of Idolizing Societal Beauty Standards
One of the most significant dangers of idolizing societal beauty standards is the tendency to prioritize physical appearance over inner qualities. When we idolize external beauty, we place excessive emphasis on superficial attributes such as physical attractiveness, fashion trends, and cosmetic enhancements. This skewed focus can lead us to neglect the development of inner qualities that truly define our character and worth. God's Word reminds us that beauty is not merely skin-deep but flows from a heart rooted in Him. In 1 Peter 3:3–4, we are encouraged,
"Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." NLT
The true measure of beauty lies in the qualities of a gentle and humble spirit, qualities that reflect the character of Christ. When we base our value solely on external appearance, we are setting ourselves up for a constant cycle of disappointment and dissatisfaction. The pursuit of an elusive "perfect" image becomes an unattainable goal, leading to persistent feelings of not measuring up. This erosion of self-esteem can impact various aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to professional endeavors, hindering our ability to embrace opportunities and reach our full potential. Idolizing societal beauty standards can lead to the development of shallow and judgmental perspectives. When we place undue importance on external beauty, we are more likely to judge others based solely on their appearance. We become susceptible to superficial biases, making assumptions about individuals' character, worth, and capabilities solely based on how they look.
This shallow perspective fosters a culture of exclusion and contributes to the formation of stereotypes and prejudices. It prevents us from truly seeing and appreciating the diverse beauty that exists in every individual. By fixating on outward appearances, we fail to recognize the richness and uniqueness that lie within each person, missing out on the opportunity to build deep and meaningful connections. Idolizing societal beauty standards will most certainly lead us astray from God's design and purpose for our lives. Our Creator made each of us with intention, crafting us in His image (Genesis 1:27). He designed us to reflect His character, to be vessels of His love, and to fulfill the unique calling He has placed on our lives. However, when we idolize societal beauty standards, we risk conforming to the world's mold instead of embracing our God-given identity. This divergence from God's plan can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from fulfilling the purpose He has ordained for us.
Reevaluating Beauty Through a Christ-Centered Lens:
To reevaluate beauty through a Christ-centered lens, we must first understand that true beauty originates from God Himself. He is the ultimate creator of beauty, and His design surpasses societal standards and superficial expectations. As Christians, we are called to look beyond external appearances and recognize that genuine beauty emanates from a heart that reflects the love and character of Christ. Additionally, Proverbs 31:30 teaches us that charm and physical beauty are fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is worthy of praise. This verse encourages us to prioritize inner qualities and a reverent relationship with God above external appearances. By valuing our connection with the Lord and nurturing qualities such as wisdom, kindness, and humility, we can cultivate a beauty that is enduring and impactful.
Our value is not determined by society's standards but by the immeasurable love of our Heavenly Father. A Christ-centered perspective on beauty enables us to cultivate a healthy self-image rooted in God's love. Instead of seeking validation and approval from the world, we can find our worth in the unwavering acceptance of our Heavenly Father. By recognizing that we are cherished and beloved by Him, we can embrace our unique qualities, celebrate our strengths, and accept our imperfections with grace.
We must resist the pressures of societal beauty standards and find our validation in God's unconditional love. We must guard against idolizing societal beauty standards. Instead, we must strive to align our hearts and minds with God's perspective on beauty. By cultivating inner qualities, valuing the worth that comes from our relationship with Christ, and appreciating the beauty in others beyond their physical appearance, we can break free from the dangers of idolization and experience the fullness of the beauty that comes from a life surrendered to Him.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Ben-Schonewille
