The way teens are reflected on things like social media can negatively impact how many people see them, but knowing that we are created in God’s image, and knowing who we can be in Christ, sets us free from false standards for our identity and value. 

The standards of the world are all about the perfect image. Anything besides perfect isn't acceptable to the world, and so anyone who doesn't fit the standards has to live with the fact that they "don't fit in." Body image is reflected as having to be perfect, and anything out of proportion does not fit the standards. If you aren’t part of the “right crowd,” once again, you do not fit the standards of the world.

Referring back specifically to standards on body image, many teens can be very negatively impacted by this, both mentally and physically. They may do things to try to make themselves look or feel like others, but they are only doing themselves harm. That is why these standards can be so dangerous. These standards can be like a trap to all those unable to fit perfectly into them, and these traps can oftentimes be very inescapable.

In Romans 12:2 we read, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Not everyone may be Christian, but whether you are or not, this passage can speak to you. Specifically it says, “do not be conformed to this world.” That is, do not comply with all the rules and standards set by the secular population, for they do not fit in with what the Lord requires of us. 

Christians should want to be set apart from the world. In John 15:19, Jesus tells us that “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” Reading this can significantly help anyone struggling to be set free from the trap of fitting into the “perfect mold.” God chose US. He specifically chose us, and he tells us that the world will hate us - no matter what. We do not have to have the perfect body to fit into the ‘popular crowd’ in order for our Saviour to love us, so why should it matter? Being released from these standards can bring a new sense of hope and joy into life, and then we can fully live for Christ.

In summary, the world has created unreasonable standards for which everyone needs to fit. And when people try to fit them too perfectly, it can have negative impacts - but in God’s image, and in Christ - we are set free.