Up To Par Inadequacies

The term "Up to Par" is one that I don't use very frequently.  Earlier last week I became suddenly curious at the origin of the phrase and after some minor research I have learned that the term was first said in regard to stock exchange. It was used to recognize the value of one currency in terms of the value of another. It was not until 1776 that the word became applicable to the human condition and was then used to mean satisfactory, or feeling well. As society has progressed, the term has gained some negative denotations to being below par: unsuccessful, unintelligent, etc. 


As I began thinking about the idea of being up to par, I started to ponder the standards that society has placed before us and the requirements for leading successful lives. Particularly the expectations that are placed on women - through magazines, billboards, television, and social media - to be beautiful, independent and successful. There are images and voices everywhere telling young ladies that they are not good enough; that they do not look like Beyonce or Heidi Klum and therefore, cannot be found attractive. There are standards to being beautiful. Are you up to par with societies image?  What is your value in comparison with *insert attractive celebrity/model here*? 

This is applicable to men, as well. I'm not going to pretend that I have a deep understanding of the male mind (that would be terrifying), but there are still numerous expectations placed on men to be a man: to be physically attractive, to be a business mogul, to have as much money possible, to get the hottest girl, etc. While I am not the best person to unpack those issues, I can say with certainty that those things do not make a man. 


As I continued to reflect on the above mentioned standards and assumptions, I wanted to compare those standards of society with the biblical standards of beauty, success, and happiness.


Our culture has placed before us an image of beauty. Beauty is being unhealthily thin, applying makeup to hide blemishes, having the right clothing, and being found desirable by men; it is appearance and image. What a warped definition of beauty! Beauty is so much more than skin deep and the standards that have been set are not worth achieving. However, it is difficult to view yourself in an approving light when the entirety of society is behind you telling you that you aren't up to par. While there are numerous passages in Scripture that discuss self image and identity, one in particular presents a stark contrast to society's perception of beauty -  

 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 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

It makes my heart glad to reaffirm that God does not judge us based on our appearance, but values the condition of our hearts and the gentleness of our spirits - that is beauty in God's eyes. What a perfect contrast to the standards and expectations that society has established. We have been created with a purpose and with intentionality.

Being up to par with society's image of beauty entails a constant comparison of your own self-worth with the lives of individuals who always seem to have it better. This measuring of personal value in terms of the value of another only brings feelings of inadequacy and ineptness. The images that society presents to us of beauty, success, and happiness are shallow representations of empty lives. Lives that are in desperate need of and are in search of something to fill the void within their hearts. Christ has promised to fill that void and speaks into the deepest corners of our hearts that we are fearfully and wonderfully made with beauty and purpose. Why go searching and stumbling after a warped and imperfect standard when you can find true worth and beauty in the eyes of your Creator?