The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported their statistics for cosmetic surgery for 2013. Here’s the latest report.
15.1 million cosmetic procedures • 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures• 13.4 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures 5.7 million reconstructive procedures.
I found this quote to be especially insightful about the growing trend in our culture. “The demand for plastic surgery remains strong, with our statistics showing increases in both cosmetic surgical and minimally-invasive procedures,” said ASPS President Robert X. Murphy, MD. “Facial rejuvenation procedures were especially robust last year, with more Americans opting for facelifts, forehead lifts, eyelid surgery, fillers and peels. With new devices and products hitting the market each year, there are more options and choices available to consumers wanting to refresh their look or a little nip and tuck.”
As I share these facts and figures with you, I don’t expect you to gasp, or even be shocked and amazed. Almost daily we encounter people who have opted for one or more of the procedures mentioned above. It’s no longer the exception, it’s now the norm in our society. What I do find alarming is this. As I was reading these statistics the report also included the number of teenagers between the ages of 13-19 who are having the very same procedures as adults. What’s happening?
May I be clear on something? For the record I do not believe that this is a sin issue. I don’t impose my concern on this subject toward others as a judgement of right and wrong. When it comes to the matter of the human soul and man’s eternal destiny, at the end of the day there are far bigger battles at stake than outward appearance. With that said, I would like to shift our focus.
I want to address a truth that is entirely more beautiful and captivating for our time and attention. In our previous devotion we discussed image. I asked you to read Romans 8:29 and also to look up the definition of the word “conform” which is in that text. Let me share with you the Message translation of this verse. “God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him.”
I don’t know what your thinking right now, but this verse kicks me on my backside. The fog is suddenly cleared, and my vision is restored. When I remember God’s original intent for my life, obsessing over this human carcass seems so silly. It’s so easy to forget isn’t it? This human flesh that you and I dwell in is the temple that God has given us to house the splendor of His beloved Son. It’s what comes from the inside of Christ’s indwelling us. The outside so often takes priority because our eyes are focused on all the wrong stuff. The momentary man made images.
Look up Psalm 119:37 and Psalm 27:4 in your bible.
How much time do you spend focusing on the beauty of the Lord.
Soak in the shadow of Jesus. Saturate your soul with the ways of Jesus. Watch Him. Listen to Him. Stand in awe of Him. John Piper
Dear Laurie. As usual your quests are building blocks in my faith and growth in the word of God!