What Do I Want Them To See - Me? Or Christ In Me?

We live in a world obsessed with image. Everywhere we look, someone is selling us something. Beautiful homes, expensive furniture, designer clothes, luxury cars, perfect bodies, and lifestyles that seem almost too good to be true.

Social media is filled with people presenting themselves, their possessions, and their successes. Some want attention. Some want popularity. Some are trying to make money. And some simply enjoy sharing their lives.

OUR MOTIVES

But here’s my question. When people look at you and me, what do we really want them to see? Us? Or Christ in us?

Today, I was reading Paul’s instructions to Timothy, and this passage caught my attention:

“Also, women should wear proper clothes that show respect and self-control, not using braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes. Instead, they should do good deeds, which is right for women who say they worship God.” (1 Timothy 2:9–10 NCV)

Here’s a backstory on it. Timothy was serving the church in Ephesus, a city where wealth, appearance, and social standing mattered. Elaborate hairstyles, jewelry, and expensive clothing could be ways of displaying status. Paul wasn’t necessarily condemning nice clothes or jewelry. He was challenging what people valued and what they wanted others to notice.

And although Paul was addressing women, I believe there’s a powerful lesson here for every one of us, and let’s be honest - it’s the men too.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

What matters more to us—how we look to others, or how we represent Christ to others?

I’ll be honest. I drive what I drive, wear what I wear, and present myself the way I do with some degree of self in mind. I like nice things. I enjoy looking presentable. And I don’t believe that’s necessarily wrong.

But I also don’t believe there’s usually just one reason behind what we do. Our motivations are often multifaceted. We might buy something because we enjoy it, because it’s practical, because we can afford it, or because we want others to notice. Sometimes all those motivations are mixed together.

DRAW YOUR OWN PIE CHART

So here’s an interesting exercise.

Imagine drawing a pie chart representing all the reasons you present yourself the way you do. One slice might represent personal enjoyment. Another, comfort. Another, success or recognition. Another, wanting to impress people.

And then there’s the slice representing your desire for others to see Jesus Christ in you.

How big would that slice be?

THE WAY IT SHOULD BE

I hope that as I continue growing in my relationship with Christ, that slice becomes the biggest piece of the pie. Not because I want people to think I’m religious, but because I genuinely want my life to reflect Jesus. I want to honor God and Christ.

And here’s a truth; I don’t think people don’t necessarily see Christ in us because of what we wear, drive, or own. They see Him in how we treat people, how we respond when things go wrong, how generously we give, how quickly we forgive, and how willing we are to put someone else’s needs ahead of our own.

Jesus said, “In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NCV)

I mean, that’s the big thing - to live so people would praise our heavenly Father.

And I think there’s another important distinction. It’s not just about wanting people to see Christ in us. It’s about genuinely becoming more like Christ, whether anyone notices or not.

THE REAL TRUTH

After all, God sees the motivations nobody else can see. He knows …

So maybe the question isn’t whether we should enjoy nice things, dress well, or share our lives with others. Maybe the better question is whether those things have become more important than loving God and loving others.

Because ultimately, the greatest image we can present isn’t an image of success, wealth, beauty, or popularity. It’s the image of Jesus Christ reflected through an ordinary, imperfect person who’s allowing God to change their heart.

So today, take another look at that imaginary pie chart. What does yours look like? And what would need to change for the largest slice to represent Christ rather than yourself?

LORD, help me examine my motives. Forgive me when my desire to be noticed becomes greater than my desire to honor You. Thank You for the things You’ve allowed me to enjoy, but never let those things become more important than You. Help me become more like Jesus, so that when people see my life, they’ll see something of Him. IJNIP amen. ♥️