What sets a Christian apart from others?

I asked myself today why Christians don't necessarily stand out among nonChristians in their acts of kindness and love towards others. Among our non Christian friends who are themselves good people, nonChristians are easily seen as much more sacrificial and loving towards others than us as Christians. In addition, the nonChristian's motivation for doing good works is stronger. Their desire for reassurance of self worth and reputation is much more powerful than a Christian's desire to glorify God. And while as Christians, we must step aside and examine ourmotives for doing good deeds to prevent ourselves from selfishly flaunting ourselves, non Christians don't really have a need for self examination to delay their good works.
So what makes a Christian stand out in today's society if its not good works overflowing from our sanctification and justification in Christ?
I think from just some thought and speculation, because I'm of course flawed in my thinking as well, it is the harder choices that Christians make that set us apart from others. All the times that we say "no" when it costs us, and the times that we sit out because we don't want to compromise our faith, the times when we choose God for friends, grades, and even family... those are the moments that set us apart from the world. And I guess realizing this, I'm more motivated to value the moments when I am given a choice to choose between God and the world, because I konw that I cannot simply be a Christian by doing good things, but that the world can only see how much I love God by what I am willing to give up for His kingdom.