The Indonesian slang “ja-im,” or jaga image (meaning “maintain image”), is about keeping a respectable image in the eyes of others to avoid embarrassment or shame. But this is not unique to Indonesian or even Asian culture; it started all the way back in Genesis 3. Mankind has been playing cover-up ever since our first parents thought fig leaves were good enough as a fashion statement!
As Christians, however, we are called to something far more countercultural.
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
God is not about making us into a polished image for others to admire. He accepts us fully because of what Jesus has done for us and who He is to us. He delights in us because of who we are in Jesus. But He doesn’t stop there; He also begins His lifelong, Spirit-led transformation project in our lives.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we ignore how we represent Christ to others. Scripture is full of encouragements and commands to live with integrity and grace. But where ja-im is based on fear of being excluded or left out, Christ-centred image keeping rests on His acceptance and unashamedly living out our identity in Him. Where ja-im is an attempt to conform us to an idealised version of ourselves, Christ-centred image keeping conforms us to His image. Where ja-im is about protecting ourselves, Christ-centred image keeping is about serving others.
Where ja-im is about protecting ourselves, Christ-centred image keeping is about serving others.
As Christians, we are called to fix our eyes daily on the only Image that truly matters: Jesus Christ. As we do, His Spirit shapes us to reflect His character in our actions and attitudes toward others.
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