We should be careful that we are not merely ‘whitewashed tombs’, that appear godly and righteous to the church, but have hearts full of pomposity and pride (Matt 23:27). Such hearts are ripe for judgmentalism, devoid of grace, and empty of true virtue; underneath my signals of holiness is the assumption that I consider myself the standard for a faithful, righteous, and virtuous Christian life, and that you have fallen short of this standard. We fall into the same trap as the Pharisees, who were condemned by Jesus.

Is it possible for a Christian to be more concerned about the appearance of godliness in their own lives, rather than the existence of it? To sound like they love God, but deep down actually fear man? To talk of virtuous deeds yet be substantially empty of them? I am living proof that the answer to those questions is yes. The worst part is, I find myself obsessed with projecting virtue not just in the secular spaces in which I operate, but in the stomping ground of my local church. The one place where virtue ought to be developed in a real and substantive way has instead become a home for shallow and performative signalling. Rather than being a place of willingly obscure sacrifice, it has devolved into a venue for not-so-subtle humble-bragging.

The House of Virtue Signals

Of course, one can be hypocritical and boastful in all contexts, but for me, the church is the context in which I am most tempted: it is the space in which I truly care about my reputation, how I am perceived. It also houses some of my dearest friends and family, whom I am often anxious to please, and by whom I am eager to be loved. Having spent countless hours in church, I also know the right words to say to elevate other people’s opinion of me. I describe my activity using words that I know carry spiritual currency: running a Bible study, doing my daily devotions, and even writing for the Gospel Coalition.

Combine ungodly anxieties to please, and a knowledge of things that carry spiritual clout, with the Christian message that exhorts us to always be rich in good works, and a combustible environment is formed, where Christians like me seek to do good not for the glory of God and service to others, but in order to be seen to be doing so.

Good Deeds, Bad Heart

Well, Jesus says that when I am seen by others for good deeds done with that motivation, I have received my reward (Matt 6:1–2, 5, 16). The danger is not that I am committing bad deeds, but that I am doing good deeds out of a self-righteous heart, with a desire to trumpet my goodness to the world. Jesus doesn’t seem to think that the latter is less evil than the former. Throughout Scripture, he reserves his firmest warnings for the Pharisees, who were rich in outward displays of righteousness, but poor in genuine acts of love.

Read More