JUNIOR DESOUZA MINISTRIES

Opening Statements

     Many Christians long to know what the Lord really thinks about cosmetic surgery and medical enhancements. A good number silently wonder, though, reluctant to voice such questions for fear of branding as "superficial" or "worldly". And, this is not an exclusively female concern, as many Christian males silently contemplate hair replacement, muscle implants, botox, and other works.
     The extreme answers of ultra-conservative Christianity are hard to take seriously, always inventing one more thing Christians "should not" do, as if kingdom life is a list of Cannots, Do Nots, and Should Nots. The extreme permissions of liberal Christianity are equally non-credible, as if kingdom life is a boundless free-for-all charged to a grace Mastercard. Thankfully, the wisdom of God is not found in such bi-polar rationale.
     Scripture reveals the general will of God, so we must plumb it carefully for answers. Since it does not directly address cosmetic surgery as such, we have to collect all the relevant truths, principles, and doctrines, then harmonize them responsibly to establish legitimate options. O nce biblically-legitimate options are established, the Spirit's personal guidance will lead each individual into selecting the best choice for their life.

     Remember Absalom? He was the most beautiful man in all of Israel, yet his soul was as dark and demonized as could be. He plotted the murder of his own godly father, King David, led a nationwide coup d'etat to accomplish it, and committed sexual sin in broad daylight for the entire nation to see (2Sam 14:25, 15:1-14, ch 15-18). Flawless externally, repulsive internally.
     Many people desire cosmetic enhancement to "fix" blemishes and defects in their soul. Their inner life nags and hurts. To them, physical beauty is the external solution to an internal problem. Just the opposite...it is the soul that needs surgery and not the body!
     Contemporary culture has enshrined physical perfection, and why? To sedate a deeper desperation for healing, peace, fulfillment. Proverbs 19:22 (NIV) says what a person ultimately desires is unfailing love, not physical perfection. Therefore, the question to ask here is, Am I trying to create a perfect body to attain a perfect soul, or rather, to fix a broken soul? Even if the answer is yes, this does not reveal cosmetic surgery to be sinful. Rather, it reveals the person's priorities to be misplaced. Were the Christian to rectify this and reprioritize their values, yet still maintain a desire for cosmetic work, other principles would have to be considered.

      1Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10, and Revelation 2:23 tells us God prioritizes motive over behavior. He does not ignore behavior, rather, He prioritizes motive in His evaluation of behavior. This is a hard concept for some to digest, but one that is crucial to our understanding of Jehovah. Humans are limited judges, seeing mainly external behaviors that can be measured (words and actions). It is difficult, sometimes impossible, to identify motives; not to mention, such an endeavor is risky. God prizes purity and integrity of motive. The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart! James 4:1-3 says God would lavish many good gifts on us, but sometimes puts our blessings on pause because of wrong motives in us that must first be rectified. Then He will un-pause their delivery (1:17).
     Therefore, the question to ask here is, What are my deepest and truest reasons for wanting cosmetic work, and have I shared them honestly with God in prayer? Those motives may be positive, negative, or neutral. More than Jehovah is preoccupied with external enhancements, He is concerned with our deepest becauses.

      Another principle that must be mixed in the blender is that of sound financial management. Several scriptures show that God values this (Lk 16:10-12, Pr 21:20). He wills that we manage our resources in a way that meets our needs, blesses others, and funds the kingdom. It is not acceptable to apply money to a temporary enhancement while withholding money from that which can permanently change lives in Christ. On the other hand, if a Christian has their financial priorities in order, and has sufficient supply to fund the physical enhancements, Scripture affirms the attainment of personal desires and rewards (Deu 12:20-22, Ps 20:4,5, Jn 15:7). Therefore, the question to ask here is, Have I been faithful to biblical financial priorities? Am I financially capable of allocating money to cosmetic work?

      Some physical changes people desire can and should be attained by modifying our lifestyle. Scripture emphasizes a healthy lifestyle, or as some call it, divine health. Some Christians use and abuse plastic surgery much like they do miraculous healing...instead of learning discipline and diligence to cultivate healthy habits, they run to the doctor or the prayer line to get "fixed" instantly. This is why many Christians do not get healed miraculously. It is not because of faithlessness or because God took a power nap after the apostles died. It is because He is wanting us to create the changes ourselves through a healthy life. This is the law of sowing and reaping God Himself established. By consistently sowing healthy choices we can reap a healthy and reformed physique. Many people, Christians included, are running to liposuction and tummy tucks instead of conquering laziness to change their body the responsible way. Therefore, the question to ask here is, Can I create the same physical changes in a non-surgical way, by improving my lifestyle, eating, and activity level? Am I exploiting cosmetic surgery and seeking the easy way out? Would God rather me change my physicality through discipline and diligence?