The Lies of Perfection

“I will praise [You] because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wonderous, and I know this full well.” Psalm 139: 14 (CBS)

Every person has “imperfections”.

Whether it is acne, wrinkles, dark circles, or more we all “have” something. My thing is acne, which isn’t fun. But the other day I realized that the acne on my face is a physical proof that I am human and alive.

This world focuses on perfectionism, and brainwashes us into comparing ourselves to others, seeing differences as negatives and trying to force us into what my Momma calls a cookie cutter shape.

We are cookie dough to be formed and shaped. We are humans, already created by God (not man) and need to see the beauty in the way we were created. (Not that makeup is wrong, or trying to get rid of acne, or make yourself feel more put together, but it is dangerous when you don’t see yourself as beautiful the way you are.)

For example, wrinkles are so looked down upon, yet they show that someone lived a full life. Laugh lines show that that person smiles and laughs often. They truly lived more than simply going through the motions, and are often symbols of wisdom.

Broken bones say that you were adventurous, possibly tried something crazy. (Possibly not smart, or it was a crazy freak accident, but you still lived adventurously.)

Scars show that you experience pain, but you are alive, you survived it and now have a story to tell.

Birth marks show that you were born and made uniquely and beautifully. 

All these things are looked down upon and seen as imperfections in a world that wants everyone to fit into a perfect cookie cutter mold show that you lived and breathed and laughed and cried and did something with your life. 

And these things aren’t always fun experiences. Anyone with acne will tell you it sucks. My brother just broke his arm twice in the same summer and you can imagine that hurt. Wrinkles can make people think of aging.

These things aren’t what we want, but they can serve as reminders to us. They are testaments to loving the life the Lord gave us and having another day on earth to give Him glory. And to doing things–fun things. Not just sitting and scrolling on our phones (or reading books all day—I had to say it. It hurts but it’s the truth.)

I don’t know if you relate to this, you probably do at least a bit if you are still reading this. If you often try to “perfect” yourself, know that God designed you perfectly and beautifully and that those who look down on you, and the influence of the lies of social media are just that– lies.

We should take care of our bodies, by eating healthy, avoiding harsh chemicals, exercising, taking care of our skin, but perfection isn’t possible and living life to the fullest is important.

A few challenges.

If you are trying to cover up imperfections I would suggest creating a list of positive affirmations to say to yourself every day, as well as writing Scripture and posting it on a mirror or somewhere you will read it. Also, sometimes I find myself wearing makeup more often than not, and almost forgetting that I am beautiful without it, and while it’s fun to put on I don’t need it all the time. During those times I try to pull back a bit. I’ll just use a bit of blush and mascara, or something like that instead of a lot (foundation, concealer, bronzer, contour, etc. etc.) Maybe you and your skin need a break from it.

Don’t over think it and don’t be afraid of those “imperfections”.

Dear Abba,

I first want to thank You for giving us this life to live. Help us to follow Your Great Commission and to live our life fully without fear. Whether we struggle with confidence about how You created us or with living bravely, please grow us in these areas and let us remember that we are worth more than our appearance. Please bring joy to those who read these. In Yeshua’s name I pray this amen.