Plastic People

Do you remember G.I. Joe? What red-blooded American male doesn't? I was a child of the 8o's so I am well familiar with the plastic version of this toy icon. My friends and I would spend countless hours waging war on Cobra Commander and his henchmen. Those were good times!

At a young age I also recall being in awe of these muscular little men. They had the coolest gadgets and rode around in awesome vehicles. This was further reinforced by the cartoon that depicted the plastic men in action. They never lost a battle and always made the right call when confronted with difficulty. Who wouldn't want to be like G.I. Joe?

The only problem with these and other plastic men is that they are not real. Countless girls can relate their experiences with plastic women. Many young girls played with Barbie and dreamed of looking and living like her. This cultural icon probably did more damage to a woman's view of a healthy body type than any other instrument in our culture.

The illusion does not end with these childhood toys. We are inundated with unrealistic depictions of physical appearance, body types, lifestyles, family structures through the myriad of media influences of modern day life. In other words, our lives are flooded with plastic people; people that only exist in the fantasy world imaginative play and Madison Avenue.

Sadly, many try to live as plastic people. They go to great lengths to give others the image that they live the life of Barbie and her counterparts.  They devote an inordinate amount of energy to developing a certain body type to live up to the 'worlds' ideal of physical beauty. Much emotional energy is expended in building a certain persona to impress others. We even have children in their early teens electing to undergo plastic surgery to look more like Barbie and her counterparts. Individuals spend money that they don't have in an attempt to achieve the unattainable life of plastic people.

The bottom line is that there are no perfect people, physically or otherwise. Many of our ideas of what is physically attractive or what constitutes success is merely a manufactured ideal of our perverted culture.  As Christians it is imperative that we consult scripture when confronted with such issues.

First, we must understand that there are no perfect people. We are all products of fallen humanity. The first man, Adam was created in the image of God. The bible states that he was created 'very good' as God concluded his work on the sixth day (Genesis 1:31). This was as close to perfection as man could have been. Interestingly enough, we really have no clue about his specific physical appearance.

Unfortunately, Adam would soon disobey the one commandment given to him by God and sin and death would enter into the world. This would drastically affect all aspects of mankind from that point forward (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Sin has marred all aspects of mankind. There are no perfect people physically, relationally, socially or otherwise.

Secondly, we should reject the unrealistic, unattainable ideal of plastic people because the world's standard of beauty and success are generally at odds with what is pleasing to God. In fact, Solomon describes such things as vanity. Notice the following scripture:

Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

In this book of the Bible, Solomon repeats this sentiment repeatedly. All of the things of this world are ultimately useless (vain) and full of frustration (vexation of spirit). These characteristics are far from the peace of God which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), are they not?

What a relief to know that God is not concerned with one's physical appearance. The Lord's words to Samuel are as relevant to us today as it was thousands of years ago.

1 Samuel 16:7b for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Obedience, not appearance is what is pleasing to the Lord. The thing about plastic people is that they have nothing on the inside. Thus it is with the aforementioned characteristics of the world in the realm of pleasing the Lord. Lets be real and use our unique abilities to the glory of God and for the edification of one another.

Have a great weekend!