Beyond the Facade: Christianity is not an Aesthetic

About a month ago, I got back on social media, and since then, I’ve noticed some alarming trends, particularly regarding how Christians are portrayed. I want to clarify that I also identify as a Christian content creator and believe that, with the right motives and guidance from the Holy Spirit, much of the content I see can indeed be meaningful and fruitful. However, as with any extreme, it becomes dangerous when things are taken to excess. So, what exactly am I referring to?

Let me put it simply: Christianity is not just an aesthetic. I often hear a statement like, “Christians try to bring the world into the church,” or, in this case, into their faith. In our social media-driven generation, it’s no surprise that the ideals of perfect aesthetics, impressive routines, and overconsumption have taken precedence over everything else. 

It truly grieves me to see many of us falling into the mindset that a life with Christ is “soft,” “aesthetic,” and “easy,” rather than understanding it as a journey of sacrifice, a race that we run with endurance, and a life that may not always be enjoyable or comfortable. 

The primary issue with creating an aesthetic around your Christian faith is that the appearance of your faith becomes the foundation instead of a genuine relationship with God, which is built on intimacy, trust, and, simply put, life’s many trials and overcoming them.

Today, I want to explore some truths that can help us shift our mindset and truly understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ in this modern age. First, let’s begin with a scripture from the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1-2 AMP:

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.” – Romans 12:1-2 AMP

In reflecting on this scripture, a key point to consider is: "Do not be conformed to this world [any longer, with its superficial values and customs]." However, how many of us, perhaps unknowingly, have allowed the values of the world to penetrate our hearts, becoming the standard by which we measure our Christian lives? It doesn’t matter how many "day-in-the-life" videos you watch, featuring individuals in luxury apartments with elaborate skincare routines, using expensive products, wearing designer clothes, and driving their luxury cars to high-paying jobs; that does not mean that is the life God has planned for you. God does not owe us a life of luxury. When we decided to follow Christ, we agreed to bear His burdens as much as we welcomed His blessings. One of these burdens is the reality that we may not always get what we want. Christianity is not about luxury, comfort, or convenience; it requires hard work, and sacrifice, and comes at a cost.

Now, here’s the thing: just because I’m saying this doesn’t mean you won’t ever experience the great luxuries and pleasures that life has to offer. It’s possible that you will. However, my question to you is: what if you never do? Will you still serve Christ if you never achieve the level of earthly or societal success that you aspire to? Will you remain committed to Him if your salary never reaches $100,000, if you only ever drive used cars, if you don’t attain those #relationshipgoals, or if you never live in a luxury apartment or mansion? Are you serving Christ in a transactional way, simply based on the hope and expectation that He will give you exactly what you’re asking for?

Has the desire for a luxurious life become an idol? It’s not surprising if it has. Our social media feeds are filled with aesthetic "day in the life" videos, testimony story times, and productive routine clips. No matter where we look, it seems everyone longs for luxury. The common thought is, "I’m a Christian, so why wouldn’t God want me to enjoy these sweet luxuries?"

But if you never receive what you're praying for, will your faith waver? If you’re not married by this time next year, if you can’t close on a house, if your bank account doesn’t reach the thousands, if God doesn't miraculously pay off your debts—if you insert your specific desire here—how will your faith hold up? I believe that the aesthetic Christianity we see on social media has begun to penetrate our minds and distract us from our true purpose. The purpose that God has placed in your life comes at a significant cost. There’s a price to pay for every grace you carry, and no one’s grace is the same. We are not all called to the same things or levels of impact.

Remember, you may never go viral on TikTok. Perhaps only 200 people will consistently view your videos and content. So the question is, how are you stewarding those 200 viewers?

The “ugly” side of this faith walk with Christ, is that the walk isn’t at all glamourous. Walking long enough with Christ will reveal to you no matter how expensive or pretty your shoes are, your feet will still get dirty. 

Matthew 16:24 NLT says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” 

To follow Jesus, we must be willing to give up our own way. This "own way" might include seeking out the luxuries of life, aiming for a large social media following, or striving for a six-figure salary. While these worldly pleasures may seem appealing, they often lead to little in terms of eternal significance.

Let’s be clear: I would love to have those luxuries myself. However, what good does it do to gain everything society considers "successful" if we lose our soul in the process and miss out on living with purpose? 

You might be chasing that six-figure job, but God may have intended for you to be a local teacher earning $55,000 a year or to be a small business owner. You might dream of driving a luxury car, but God might prefer that you continue driving a used vehicle so you can save money and help those in need around you. 

Don't get so caught up in the appearance of success that you overlook the true purposes of God.

I genuinely believe that many people are struggling mentally because, in their pursuit of success, they have sacrificed their peace and joy. The safest and happiest place to be is in the will of God. What a misfortune it would be to reach the top of the ladder only to realize it was leaning against the wrong wall the entire time.

As Christians, we are not called to the convenience that the world considers necessary and beautiful. God has called us to a life of sacrifice. Perhaps what He is asking you to sacrifice today is the idol of striving for worldly success. This is an idol I have had to let go of, especially over the past two years, and even more so daily. The idealized life we are presented with keeps us trapped in the mindset that we aren't good enough, that we are falling behind in life, or that God doesn’t love us as much as those who possess what we desire.

It's too costly to chase after an aesthetic. Doing so costs you your peace, joy, and fulfillment in Christ. In this year, 2025, make it your purpose to live a life yielded to the Holy Spirit. Be determined to build your faith on the foundations of God’s Word instead of relying on the unstable, transactional relationship with God you've grown accustomed to. 

The next time you see a video where someone shares what God has done in their life, rejoice with them. However, don't allow their testimony to confine you into thinking that God must work in your life in the same exact way. Your purpose is far too significant, and your life is far too impactful to be boxed in by a mere aesthetic.

If this blog has helped you recognize any idolatry in your heart, I want to pray for you. If you feel lost on where to start or how to surrender to God and live a sacrificial life, I pray that God helps you invite Him in –

Dear God, thank you for the individual reading this blog today. I pray Lord that you’d have mercy on them, and help them navigate these complex emotions and falsely adopted mindsets from the world. Lord in your Word, you’ve asked that we lay our lives down for you. You have told us time and time again that we must take up our cross to follow you. God, today, the person reading this is desiring to take up the cross of following your will rather than their own. Help them Lord to follow you even when it’s hard. Rebuild their foundations on the firm and fertile foundations of all that is true. May they not bring the world’s standard of luxury and success into their life of faith. Instead, Lord, help them to be content, even if all they have is a little. And God, as they grow in truth, and understanding of your Word and who you are, add the increase, Father. Do the things that only you can do, in their heart, in their mind, in their family, and in their life. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen!

A Scripture of Encouragement – “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”  – Matthew 6:28-34 NLT