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Like billions of people around the world I watched the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in Beijing in amazement last Friday. It was an incredible show that China, the host country, put on for the world. Its eye-dazzling splendor made all the more disappointing the news of the last minute decision by Chinese power brokers to replace singer Yang Peiyi with lip-syncer Lin Miaoke because the girl with the beautiful voice was not as appealing as the girl with the beautiful face. And while it is true that there have been many lip-synced songs, usually the person doing the 'singing' is 'syncing' their own song. And even when they are not, the audience is usually informed as to what is going on. But not in this case. Not when the eyes of the world are on China and its leadership and they feel compelled to dazzle no matter what the cost, or how deceptive the appearances. I only hope that their amazing medal totals are actually the result of superior training, technique and hard work and not some form of Chinese chemistry that has yet to be brought into the light of day.
But before we are too hard on the Chinese regime, I think it is important to reflect on priority of appearance that characterizes the so-called western world. While the western media lambastes the Chinese government for its decision to favor the prettier girl, we live in a culture that does this all the time, in fact, we are a culture obsessed with outward appearance. From cosmetic surgery to the use of steroids, from fad diets to expensive gym memberships or equipment, from the latest designer clothes to the right kinds of cars or SUV's or cell phones, we worship at the throne of what is deemed beautiful, 'kewl,' sleek and innovative. It is a matter of pride that we at least look like we know what we are talking about regardless of whether our words and our actions support our impressive visual arguments.
But before we are too hard on the Chinese regime, I think it is important to reflect on priority of appearance that characterizes the so-called western world. While the western media lambastes the Chinese government for its decision to favor the prettier girl, we live in a culture that does this all the time, in fact, we are a culture obsessed with outward appearance. From cosmetic surgery to the use of steroids, from fad diets to expensive gym memberships or equipment, from the latest designer clothes to the right kinds of cars or SUV's or cell phones, we worship at the throne of what is deemed beautiful, 'kewl,' sleek and innovative. It is a matter of pride that we at least look like we know what we are talking about regardless of whether our words and our actions support our impressive visual arguments.
In all of this it is important to remember that God looks on the heart! He sees reality for what it is. He is not fooled by our fancy clothes or hairstyles, a tummy-tuck or laser eye surgery does not impress him. He is looking for clean hands and a pure heart, rare possessions that are in themselves the result of his grace. And one more thing that should be mentioned is that Jesus, who had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him (Isaiah 53:2), warned us about the ultimate futility of living to impress others. He said, "What good will it be for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? Or what can you give in exchange for your soul?" (Matthew 16:26) So beyond issues of confused national pride and the story of two liitle girls we need to look at ourselves and our attitudes about life and what is really important. Are we any different? Or have we just found other more socially or religiously acceptable ways of expressing our vanity and pride?
-Kirk Wellum, Redeeming the Time
-Kirk Wellum, Redeeming the Time
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