Many individuals have considered getting cosmetic surgery at some point in their life. Cosmetic surgery is extremely popular, both in Hollywood and in our own circles. Individuals normally get cosmetic surgery to “improve” a feature or to make themselves feel more confident.
With all the talk in the modern day about getting cosmetic surgery, is it a sin to have it done? It is important that we understand this topic in order to help ourselves and to help others.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is something that many people want to get to help their appearance look “better.” Similar to many females, I wanted cosmetic surgery done before I was even a teen. I always disliked my nose and since it was different from my sister’s and my mom’s noses, I thought mine looked ugly.
My mother used to tell me I looked like my dad’s mother, which also caused me to want to change my appearance since my mom never liked my dad’s mother. All of these factors caused me to want to get cosmetic surgery done on my nose.
Naturally, as any person would, I asked my mom if I could get a nose job at the ripe age of 11. Surprisingly, my mom said I could, and so we spent a few days looking at the different surgeons and different nose types.
What particularly caught my attention was the side effects of cosmetic surgery. Some of the side effects of a nose job were potential damage to the airways in the nose as well as blood going down the throat, resulting in vomiting.
As soon as I saw those side effects, all bets were off, and I no longer wanted to have a nose job. Maybe you have had something similar in your own life, or maybe you went through with the surgery.
If you went through with the surgery, there is no reason to be ashamed. In and of itself, cosmetic surgery is not sinful. It is your motive behind the action that deems if it is sinful or not. Ask yourself why you want cosmetic surgery.
Is it because you want to be more confident in your appearance, or is it because of vanity? Some procedures are needed, as in the case of burn victims or those who were badly injured.
In these cases, it is not sinful. It is also not sinful if you want cosmetic surgery if you just want to feel more comfortable. If the reason you want cosmetic surgery is because of vanity, then it is sinful.
Risks and Warnings
Before you commit to cosmetic surgery, it is important to make sure you are not suffering from body dysmorphia. This illness can cause us to want to try to fix perceived flaws, often resulting in surgery. If you have this illness, make sure you don’t have cosmetic surgery done.
You also need to make sure this is something you want done. Many cosmetic surgeries are permanent, and you may get stuck with the results even if you are not happy with them.
It is also good to be aware of the side effects and complications of whichever surgery you are undergoing. There can be short-term and long-term effects of surgery, and it is best to know ahead of time before undergoing surgery.
Made In God’s Image
While it is fine if you want to undergo cosmetic surgery with the right motives in your heart, know that you are already beautiful as you are. God created all people in His image, including you (Genesis 1:27). We are also told that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:13-16).
You are a wonderful masterpiece of God’s. Remember this key truth before you make any decisions to get cosmetic surgery. Also, recognize your motive and make sure your decision or desire to undergo cosmetic surgery is not rooted in sin, such as vanity.
We are often taught through the media or even from our parents that we aren’t pretty enough, which results in us thinking we aren’t good enough. If you have been fed this lie, know it’s not true. You are beautiful, wonderful, and amazing, just as you are.
God created you, and He makes no mistakes. Even if the world, your parents, or even yourself thinks differently, know that God says you are His beautiful child. Keep this in mind before you make any final decisions surrounding cosmetic surgery.
Check your motives and see if they are in the right place. If they are rooted in sin, don’t get the cosmetic surgery done. The Holy Spirit can help convict, guide, and instruct you concerning this decision.
God already says you are beautiful as you are, and there is no need to change your outward appearance. The world often focuses on our external appearance, but God looks at our heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Be intentional about working on your internal beauty and yield your heart to God’s guidance.
What makes you beautiful is on the inside. The Apostle Peter says, “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).
As this passage of the New Testament tells us, a person’s beauty comes from the inner self, not the outward appearance. Work on cultivating the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. This is what God says is beautiful — not what the world says.
The world is under the control of the devil, and he wants to cause us to fall and obsess over things that don’t matter. You don’t have to fall for the devil’s schemes; instead, you can turn to God.
Turn to God and remind yourself of what He says about you. God loves you more than anything, and you can trust everything He says.
Sadly, those who claim they love us can hurt and let us down, but you don’t have to worry about that with God. He will never stop loving you, and He will never let you down.
When He says you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful. When He says you’re more than rubies, then you’re worth more than rubies. In fact, God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins and to redeem you. There is no greater love than someone dying for you.
Thus, undergoing cosmetic surgery is not sinful in and of itself. One has to look at their motives before getting cosmetic surgery to see if it is sinful or not. If your motives are rooted in sin, you need to recognize that and not undergo surgery.
To undergo cosmetic surgery with sinful motives would be sinful. However, if you are having cosmetic surgeries with correct motives, such as if you need to repair a cleft lip, fix an injury from a car accident, or have surgery because of a broken nose, know that this isn’t sinful.
There is nothing wrong with getting cosmetic surgery if your motives are in the right place, but also know that you are already beautiful and dearly loved just as you are.
For further reading:
Does God See More Than the Physical Appearance?
How Is Charm Deceptive and Beauty Fleeting?
What Does the Bible Say about Beauty?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/DuxX
Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.
