Image Consultant

I think I can safely say most people care a lot about their image. Some people—usually high-profile people—have an image consultant. I googled image consultant, and this is what it said: "An image consultant helps clients enhance their personal or professional image through fashion, grooming, and communication skills, aiming to align their image with their goals." Most of us are our own image consultants. Of course, if you’re married or have a significant other, you might get some help managing your image.

Did you know that God has an image? Jesus modeled His Father’s image throughout His life. Jesus said in John 14:9 (NLT), “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” If the goal is to align our image with Jesus—and if you are a Christian, that should be the goal—what does that mean concerning how we manage our image?

On a personal level, I’ve been rearranging my image priorities from the first day I committed my life to Jesus. Looking back over my life, I have to admit I put too much emphasis on how I look. I invested far too much time and energy trying to impress people. Let me just say that at some point that becomes exhausting! In fact, if I had invested as much time and energy into my relationship with Jesus as I did managing my image, I’m sure I’d have more Christlike character today.

Check out what it says in Romans 8:29a (NIV), “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” Did you catch that? God’s goal for our image is that we become like His Son. That’s a tall order, isn’t it?

Let me introduce you to the best image consultant available—it’s the Holy Spirit. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and guide us, the more like Jesus we will become. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate image consultant—and the good news is, the Holy Spirit is free. I did some research and discovered that image consultants cost around $100 to $200 an hour. People can pay someone to manage their image, but they can’t buy character—and they can’t buy the joy of the Lord either. I want to encourage you to think about your image today. Are you satisfied with your image? If not, why not?

God wants us to experience His peace. The best way to receive God’s peace is to quit striving to impress people. Live for an audience of One and enjoy God’s blessing on your life.

Stay close to Jesus,

Steve