Airbrushed Jesus vs. the Real Jesus: Why Knowing the True Christ Matters

We live in a world full of filtered images, polished profiles, and carefully curated narratives. It’s no surprise that many of us—even as believers—carry around a filtered, airbrushed version of Jesus too. Maybe it came from our upbringing, cultural expectations, disappointments, or the ache of wanting God to fit into the mold we created for Him.

But what happens when the Jesus in our minds doesn’t match the Jesus of Scripture?

In this week’s episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I had the privilege of sitting down with Pastor Phil Haig, co-founder of Ransom Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Phil’s story is raw, relatable, and deeply honest—precisely the kind of conversation that shakes us free from the illusions we cling to.

When Our Picture of Jesus Gets Distorted

Phil grew up in a legalistic environment where faith was more about performance than relationship. Like many of us, he tried to “earn” his place with God—doing the right things, avoiding the wrong things, and carrying the exhausting weight of spiritual perfection.

But beneath the surface, he was wrestling with sin, shame, and the fear that he wasn’t enough. His struggle with pornography, coupled with the pressure to appear “good,” created a split life—one where Jesus felt distant and conditional.

He eventually walked away from his faith, convinced he had failed God and that God had moved on without him.

And yet… that’s not who Jesus is.

The Real Jesus Meets Us in Our Mess

In the middle of Phil’s rebellion, the Holy Spirit confronted him with a life-changing question:
“Why do you think the answer to hypocrisy is more hypocrisy?”

That moment shattered the airbrushed image of Jesus he had been clinging to and revealed a Savior who wasn’t asking for perfection—but surrender. A Jesus who wasn’t after performance—but intimacy. A Jesus who sees all of us clearly and still chooses us.

The real Jesus is not the one we imagine;
He is the One who invites us into a covenant relationship, honesty, and transformation.

Why It Matters to Know Jesus as He Truly Is

Throughout our conversation, Phil shared profound spiritual truths that hit home for every believer, including:

• Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances; joy flows from holiness and intimacy with God.

• We often want God’s benefits without His lordship. True discipleship requires surrender, not convenience.

• Faith isn’t about believing in ourselves—it’s believing in Him. Even mustard-seed faith has power when Jesus is at the center.

• Vulnerability frees us. Our testimony breaks chains—for us and for others.

• We cannot shape Jesus to fit our preferences. He is Lord, not a customizable lifestyle accessory.

These truths cut deep, but they also offer hope. Because when we know the real Jesus, everything changes—our identity, our relationships, our battles with sin, and our understanding of God’s love.

A Book Born from Obedience, Not Ambition

Phil also shared the story behind his book, Jesus Be the Centerfold: Choosing Covenant Faith Over Airbrushed Christianity. What started as a nudge from the Holy Spirit turned into months of resistance, followed by unmistakable signs that he needed to write it.

The book explores how we replace intimacy with God by chasing the benefits of faith without the cost, much like seeking intimacy without a relationship. It’s challenging, honest, and full of grace.

If you have ever wrestled with shame, legalism, or a shallow faith, this book will speak to you.

Let’s Keep Growing Toward the Real Jesus

Many of us have followed Him for years and still find places where our view of Him has been shaped more by culture or fear than by Scripture. That’s okay—but we can’t stay there.

The good news is that Jesus is patient, loving, and willing to meet us exactly where we are… as long as we’re willing to let Him be Lord, not just Savior.

My prayer is that this conversation encourages you to look deeper, surrender more freely, and rediscover the Jesus who sees you fully—and still chooses you.