Image is Everything
I remember seeing a TV ad years ago for some camera company that featured tennis great Andre Agassi and the tagline, “Image is Everything.” What is that all about? Image is a very powerful thing. Modern culture sends a message of a certain image that one should try to live up to. Chasing this certain image can lure people into doing some things that don’t make a lot of sense in the big scheme of things. People can go to some exhausting and extreme lengths to portray this certain image.
But why? I remember hearing a quote one time which said, “People spend money that they don’t have, on things they don’t need, in order to impress people they don’t like.” What force could cause a person to live that way? Perhaps this “Image is everything,” is the answer. Maybe there is a desire to grab all we can in the advancement in this temporary kingdom which we live. Could this be a misguided pursuit?
Think of the certain image that is sought after and the rationale behind it. It is most often linked to an ultimate pursuit of power. Having a certain image of power and prestige helps to forward an agenda…most often my agenda. In what ways do people try to live up to this certain image? This certain image can include looking the part. Buying the big house and the right kind of car, getting into the corner office, wearing all the latest fashion, being a member of all the right clubs, being seen at all the right parties, getting your picture in all the right magazines. These are some of the games people have to play in order to secure this certain image. It is one dangerous game. This pursuit of a certain image can leave a trail of destruction a mile long.
Why is the certain image pursued so hard? Because image is everything.
Jesus knew a thing or two about image. After spending three years with his Disciples, He wanted to be sure that he left them with a certain image. On the night before he was crucified, he shared a last supper with them. Here, the Son of God, the King of all kings, who had emptied himself of all pursuits of worldly power, and humbled himself and took on the form of a servant, got on his hands and knees and washed his disciple’s feet. Jesus wanted to leave them and us with an image that was certain for sure. It was a completely different kingdom pursuit that nobody expected. I am sure he knew the certain image that culture would have us to pursue, but wanted us to know how to really find the life that ultimately satisfies every thirst one can have.
We desperately need to live up to this clearn and certain image that Jesus left us.What would the world look like if as followers of Christ, we should all strive to likewise humble ourselves and serve others rather than to be served? A different looking kingdom for sure.
What certain image will you pursue today?
