A makeover implies changing one’s appearance, sometimes through cosmetics. Makeovers can range from something as simple as a new haircut to the use of cosmetic surgery like a face-lift or a nose job, or through the application of makeup.
As we get older, things change. You may see wrinkles begin to show on your face, stretch marks if you have either gained weight or had a baby, your hair may become thin or your eyesight may be declining. Honestly, there are countless ways our bodies change as we get older; some changes happen to both men and women, others are unique to both genders.
Either way, we cannot escape the process of aging. But don’t tell that to our modern-day doctors who perform millions of plastic surgeries a year. People keep them busy because of the change in one’s body, and the constant scrutiny of the media and press keeps celebrities on the ropes for the newest “standard” of beauty. As a result, you have billions of dollars flowing through the “diet” industry of pills, liquids, etc. that try to sell the quick fix to losing weight and other extreme measures to makeover our bodies.
Sure extreme measures yield extreme results, but in the end, are we happy? Or, do these makeovers only satisfy us for a moment until we find something else we’re unhappy with then back to the surgeon? The “fix” is costly and most, at best, cannot afford the best options. But either way, there is a cost associated with the change.
Do You Need to Change Your Look, Or Change Your Heart?
I wonder how many of those “makeovers” are a result of something deeper than our physical appearance? I know you have heard it countless times, “I am so stressed out and unhappy with myself; I have gained so much weight, especially in my stomach area, so I am going to get a tummy tuck. I just don’t have time to lose weight and everything I have tried has not worked,” or, “I have self-esteem issues due to my nose being so big. I have been self-conscious about it my whole life since I was a child. I would get teased all the time, calling me names like…”
Now, I do realize that not all makeovers are associated with self-esteem issues. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving your image a change or a “boost” as some would put it, but I am going to challenge you to ask yourself (not your friends or your family members) – “What is the real reason why I want to change the way I look?
Is this change associated with something you saw on someone else, so you think it will look cool on you? Is this change still within the norm of something you would do, or are you going through an “identity crisis?” “Do I know who I AM and what is appropriate for me?”
Value Inner Beauty Above Outer Beauty
We must be careful about the emphasis we place on the outer appearance. The Bible tells us to “Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold or putting on fine clothing, but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God, very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4.
Peter was simply saying that the beauty of your “spirit” is precious to God. Knowing who you are in God and reflecting HIS love is beautiful and the most important “makeover” we could ever have! The internal change of how we view ourselves will produce an external result and that is what people will see past the makeup, hairstyles, and wardrobe.
So, you wanna get a makeover? Okay, that’s fine. Just remember, before you change anything, please know that you are God’s “masterpiece” and perfect in His sight. He loves you just the way you are! The approval of GOD must always be more important to you than the approval of others.
So, really, do you still want or need that makeover?
So, What’s the Play Call?
Here are 3 Biblical points to consider when thinking about a makeover and checking your motive behind doing one:
- “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV
- “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV
- Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4.
