But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
~1 Samuel 16:7
So, I recently discovered something that is culturally a thing now, especially being bought into by younger generations—women andmen. It’s called “Looksmaxxing”. Let me explain in a nutshell: It’s all about optimizing (or maximizing) yourself physically—your body, facial alignment, height, skin, hair, etc.—to be, well, “optimal” in the world’s eyes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not ignorant. People (women, in particular) have been making efforts to “improve their looks” per the latest cultural norms for generations, whether through makeup, hair dye, or attaining whatever their contemporary “ideal weight” is (from affluently obese during the Renaissance to Ozempic skeletal thinness today). But after nearly two decades of incessant social media’s mythological “A-roll” (only showing the best of your best) and misleading beauty filters, new standards have normalized. I noticed the trend starting several years ago for women to strive for real-life-filter looks: duck or fish lips by way of fillers, as well as flat, smooth, zero-expressive foreheads, eyes, and mouths.
Where am I going with all this? Well, Looksmaxxing has become so pervasive for both genders that the bend is to normalize not just working out and eating well (good things), but also multiple facial surgeries, drugs—both pharma and street—and even using visual tricks to look taller and alter perception. Why? To get more—more money, more sex, more clicks, more satisfaction. It begs some questions, though: When does it end? How much is enough? And can real satisfaction truly be attained? It smacks a bit of that hissing lie in the Garden…”You can be like God.” Only instead of pursuing perfect wisdom, they are pursuing perfect looks.
Oh beloved, the world’s ways are tempting. But we must know the truth and stand firm in it.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not of this world. If we were, the world would love us. But, as Jesus promised, just as the world hated (and still hates) Him, His followers will be hated by the world too (John 15:18-25). We’re warned not to love the things of this world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (sounds a lot like all-things-Looksmaxxing). These things are not from God, but from the world…and they will all pass away (1 John 2:15-17). So, striving to be loved by the world, to be lustfully perceived by others and be puffed up in the process, is antithetical to the Christian life.
Plus, even when the outside looks pristine and perfect to others, this inside—character—can remain filthy or empty. Jesus clearly made this point while teaching: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence…Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:25-28).
Friend, our attractiveness (beauty) must be in our heart—our character, inner man, spirit—which is imperishable and precious in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:3-4). The fact of the matter is that our outer self is wasting away. Despite all the shots, drugs, or surgeries, we are aging out of this world. And whether a person believes it or not, with our last breath on earth, it’s the start of our eternity. As Christ followers—praise the Lord—our inner self is being renewed day by day in preparation for heaven (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Are you falling for the hissing lies of social media? That attaining a certain look is what matters most, and that you won’t be otherwise satisfied? Sweet friend, nothing in this life will fully and finally satisfy you but Jesus—the One who is better than life. If you’re tempted by the noise of this world, turn off your phone, and turn to God’s Word. Listen to who He says you are—God’s child, Jesus’ friend, a new creation, chosen, forgiven, free. Let’s “maxx” on knowing Him.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world (all the likes, all the sex, all the money) and forfeits his soul” (Matthew 16:26)?
Lord, the lies of the enemy are getting louder and louder. May I keep my eyes on You and eternal things, striving for internal beauty that ultimately glorifies You.
encouraged by grace 