Pursuing an Image vs. Pursuing the Image of Christ

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with something that keeps creeping into my heart.

It’s the temptation to pursue an image.
The image of the “put-together” woman. The inspiring entrepreneur. The healthy wife and mom who’s figured it all out.
It sneaks in with every scroll, every compliment, every algorithm.

But God stopped me in my tracks with this question:

Are you pursuing an image… or are you being conformed into My image?

Oof.

Pursuing an Image

This kind of pursuit is exhausting. It’s subtle. It feels productive.
It sounds like:

• “I just want to get it right.”

• “If I look successful, people will take me seriously.”

• “Maybe then I’ll be enough.”

It shows up in Instagram feeds, perfectly branded launches, matching family photos, and yes—even in Christian circles. We slap a verse on our hustle and call it holy.

But the truth? That’s still striving.
And striving leads to burnout, not breakthrough.

Pursuing the Image of Christ

This is different.
This pursuit is intimate. Internal. Transformational.

It’s not about building a name—it’s about surrendering to the Name above all names.
It’s about asking:

• Am I loving like Jesus?

• Am I forgiving like Jesus?

• Am I serving like Jesus?

It’s less about what I post and more about what I carry.
Less about how others perceive me, and more about how God is shaping me.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

When we pursue Christ, we don’t need to chase significance.
We already have it.

Here’s What I’m Learning:

• The image the world praises are fleeting.

• The image of Christ is eternal—and He is faithful to finish what He started in me.

• My job is not to impress. My job is to reflect.

And when I focus on reflecting Christ, I don’t need to perform.
I just need to show up—with humility, honesty, and love.