Pretty is as Pretty Does

This is a new format that I am trying out to express contemporary issues from Youth Culture. So, today our Pastor, Dr. Donald Rhoton, preached on a shift that has happened in Youth Culture. Youth are very concerned about their appear, so much so that it consumes their lives. He quoted from a study done between the diaries of 19th Century to 21st Century teenage girls and found that they are more self-image and outward focused and less caring about the needs of others. Why is that? Societal and cultural influences are definitely at work here. Adults have caused some of this putting the idea that a successful person does certain things and looks a certain way. The images in advertising are all of the "pretty" people. The result is more cases of eating disorders, drug addictions, increase of depression and suicide rates. That is the culture that we find ourselves living in the 21st century. Diaries are no longer private or secret they are facebook posts on someones wall. The good news is we are aware of the problem, now what are we going to do about it? Scripture says we were "created in the image of God" and God said his creation was "very good." So, don't believe the lies of the world. Remember sin is very much alive and active in the world today. Girls you are beautiful and created in the image of almighty God, Guys too!