[Wednesday's Devotional] - Objectification

Have you noticed how many images of women are used as the covers of magazines, the images in TV and film advertising, and the subjects of music videos?  Objectification is the reduction of human beings to the status of "objects" - denying them the human characteristics of character or personality - making them into objects to be used for the purpose of selling.  This objectification is largely confined to women although occasionally can include images of men.  It seems not to matter what is being sold - or who the target market is - an image of an attractive woman seems to be the answer.

Unfortunately, this habit has negative effects on women - there is, I am certain, a strong link between the graphically enhanced supermodel images we see portrayed, and the low self-image of women who are damaged by the pressure to look good or feel second-rate.  We hear about the rise of anorexia in schools, the growth in plastic surgery to enhance body shape, the increase in depression and self-harm associated with poor self-esteem in women (and sometimes in men).  This same objectification damages the expectations men have about women, and focusing on physical beauty leads to shallow relationships, with short shelf-life, and must surely fuel the breakdown in marriage and the lowering of respect. 

What does the bible say about this?

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 [NIV]

"…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7b [NIV]

Think about the images you see and the reactions you have to people you meet today.  Are you influenced by appearances?  Do you judge the book by the cover?  Try to look at the heart,  and resist the temptation to dehumanise the people you meet today.

Lord, help me to remember to treat people kindly - thank you that you made us all in your image.  Thank you for the diversity that exists and the beauty that can be found in the hearts of the people you created.  Amen.

Dave MacLellan