“I’ve observed in my own life a deep desire to display my goodness to others. There’s even a modern term for it: virtue signaling. According to Jesus, this is an ancient struggle, a primal temptation. We long to be known and seen, but if we aren’t careful, this longing can lead to a kind of performativity that corrodes the soul.”- Rich Villodas
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others, to be seen by them. . . . But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.”- Matthew 6:1, 3-4 (NIV)
In Chapter 3 (“Unexpected Righteousness”) of The Narrow Path, Rich Villodas notes that in Matthew 6 Jesus reveals a key characteristic of His narrow path. Hiddenness.
Above all, hiddenness serves as important word for those striving to be noticed. In addition, Rich contends, social media creates (or perhaps reveals) the hunger within us to be seen. So much so that some aptly describe the current generation of young adults as Generation Notification. And people find even negative comments addicting. Because being seen trumps remaining unseen.
For one of our deepest longings centers in being known and seen. Yet, when we rely on our own devices, we find ourselves stuck in a never-ending cycle of performative spirituality. As a result, we seek to get from others what only God can give us. To serve and witness as Jesus’ disciple requires your whole person. Rather than simply doing religious things.
Above all, Rich stresses, a lack of self-awareness often stands in the way. Not a lack of knowing our inner selves. Therefore, to combat our relentless desire to be seen by others, Jesus calls us to hiddenness. Finally, this concept comes with a challenge. Because it refers to hiding from ourselves, not mainly from the world.
Today’s question: How often do you find yourself tempted to engage in virtue signaling? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A self-congratulatory existence”