Peter Pan Syndrome Word on the Week 13th April 2024.
Peter Pan was the creation of the playwright J.M.Barrie. It became the favourite Christmas time pantomime of yesteryear. Peter was the little boy who, among other things, could fly. He also had the secret of perpetual youth!
It’s the latter that is being pursued today, largely but not exclusively by women. It manifests in the battle against ageing which can commence in the teenage years and carry on into post maturity.
In my youth women called it a facelift. As far as I could gather the hairdresser wrapped hot towels around the head of the client who was left to steam for some time. More sophisticated methods developed involving cosmetic surgical operations.
However, in the world of today tools and chemicals are employed in the task of rejuvenating faces and sundry other body parts as well. The aim however has not changed – the desire to look one’s best (forever)!
As a result of its popularity there is a sameness emerging effectively cancelling the earlier comment, “He is the image of his father” of the infant. Now it is beginning to look as if we are all physically related!
In the Bible Job had the same problem. He was the victim of a wasting disease. In the Scriptures, Job addresses God; “Thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and my leanness rising up against me beareth witness to my face” (Job 16 verse 8).
Even if there had been Botox around I doubt if Job would have used it. Although he was reduced to skin and bone he had the believer’s true assurance. This is how he expressed it, “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed yet in my flesh will I see God.” (Job 19 verses 25 and 26).
Indeed, Job’s faith was rewarded. His fortunes were restored. He made a full recovery and lived to be 140 years old – seeing his children and their children to the fourth generation (Job 42).
Our body is temporary. It was never meant to be permanent. For those who know and love the Lord the Apostle Paul has this news. The trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable. Our new body ‘without spot or wrinkle’ will last forever (1Corinthians 15 verses 50 to 58).
The Peter Pan desire in us will be fulfilled through trusting in Christ our Redeemer.