Comparing Your Looks To A Fake

“…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” — 2 Timothy 2:9-10

Our view of personal beauty is heavily shaped by what we see on television, in movies, in magazines, and on social media. Because of this, many young people feel insecure because they do not look like their favorite movie stars or musicians.

But here is the truth: the stars do not look that way either!

The Illusion of Media

Television and movie characters are fictional creations. No real person has the perfect combination of beauty, strength, intelligence, charm, and style that we see on screen. When we compare ourselves to media personalities, we are comparing our real lives to a make-believe world.

Furthermore, actors, musicians, and athletes hire professional teams of stylists, makeup artists, and photographers. Their public appearances are carefully crafted—they are not representative of everyday reality.

Retouching Reality

Consider the words of a former model, who expressed sadness that young girls were risking their health and spending fortunes to look like her:

She admitted that she never actually looked like the girl on the magazine covers. Digital artists had painted over all her “flaws” to create an impossible standard.

The next time you see a seemingly perfect model or celebrity in a magazine or on your feed, remember that the image has been heavily edited.

What True Beauty Looks Like

Instead of chasing an artificial image, focus on building the inner beauty of a godly character.

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30