The idea of plastic surgery has become such a societal norm that many people would not think twice about altering their appearance in some way.

In a culture where the bars for beauty have been set high by the fashion industry and media, the pursuit of physical perfection has an alluring pull for many. Perfectly toned, beautiful, flawless figures grace the covers of magazines, walk the runways and star in hit television shows. This kind of beauty, although often enhanced with makeup, clever software and exaggerated lighting, carries over into the minds of the average citizen, nearly forcing us to think if I only looked like that…

Body image, self-worth, and self-esteem are challenged daily by the impractical and quite frankly unnecessary standards that have been placed on physical beauty.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. —Proverbs 31:30, KJV

Perhaps the question being asked should not be, should Christians avoid cosmetic surgery, but rather under what circumstances and for what reasons should we ever consider cosmetic surgery?

Allowing anything to consume our lives has the possibility to lead us down a path of despair, hopelessness and an obsession with earthly matters. The pursuit of physical perfection by way of surgery is one such obsession that will not fix underlying issues such as low self-esteem, depression or unrealistic pressures placed on ourselves.

If the driving factor that is motivating a desire to turn to cosmetic surgery is to merely achieve physical perfection, then perhaps what is really needed is to understand that we are already perfect in the unique way that God has created us to be. Our differences are what make each one of us special. God created each one of us with a specific intention and with great care.  

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5, KJV

That being said, God also wants us to be happy. He wants us to live lives that are full of joy. He wants us to feel loved and accepted. In cases where a physical deformity such as a birth defect, or in cases where an accident or injury has left someone with scars or deformities that can be remedied with the help of medical intervention; this may be a circumstance where seeking plastic surgery may be justified.

Plastic surgery as a whole cannot be deemed negative or be seen as an opposition to God’s will. It is the motivating factors behind ones desire to seek plastic surgery that must be measured and weighed before deciding whether plastic surgery is a good idea or not.

Seeking acceptance and approval from others by pursuing their ideals of beauty is not healthy or a good justification for cosmetic surgery. There are plenty of medical reasons why plastic surgery would be a good idea or even a necessity; and then there are many superficial reasons why plastic surgery should be avoided.

Changing ones appearance is a personal choice that should be carefully weighed and compared to our beliefs as Christians.

Should Christians avoid plastic surgery? Maybe, maybe not. Every circumstance is different. We must first ask ourselves why cosmetic surgery is being considered, and what we hope to gain by the results. The best advice; pray on it and know that God loves you, imperfections and all.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14, KJV

Looking for more inspiration? Listen to ”A More Beautiful You” by Johnny Diaz.

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