Exhaustive Image Control

“If someone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eight day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ."

Philippians 3:4-7

WHAT IS image control? It is the motivation to make sure we appear as we want others to think about us. The exterior of who we are becomes more important than the interior of who we are in Christ. We are concered, consumed, and in some cases obsessed over how we look, what we wear, what we drive, what school we attend, where we work, and where we live.

However, image control is exhausting because it is never quite satisfied. Jobs have to be a little more prestigious, cars a little more luxurious, homes a little more opulent, and status a little more admirable. The curse of image control is subtle because it can be confused with godly ambition, which is good. The difference is the first is about striving for self, while the latter is about dying to self. Godly ambition does its best and trusts the Lord.

Image control suffers from a sense of superiority prompted by pride. Jesus describes a religious leader afflicted by his condescending attitude and lofty self-image: “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (Luke 18:11-12). Humility lifts up Jesus, not self.

If we are not halted by humility, we become like Narcissus peering into a prideful pool, loving an image that is a figment of our imagination. Instead, as Spirit-filled followers of Jesus, we see ourselves as precious but peculiar people who are pilgrims just passing through on our way to heaven, not encumbered by the weights of worldly expectations. As we journey for Jesus, we want our simple life to point others to our Savior.

So who is in control of your image? Have you surrendered your self-image to your Savior Jesus Christ? Let go of the shallow sense of worth from the world, and embrace your eternal value in the Lord. Almighty God has already defined you as holy and acceptable to Him in Christ Jesus. Your inner beauty is what He admires most and celebrates.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and wearing of gold jewelry and 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).

How much energy do I exhaust on image control? Do I trust Christ to control my images?