Performing Holiness

But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. (Matthew 23:5)

One of the most dangerous temptations in modern Christianity is not outright rebellion.

It is performance.

It is learning how to appear spiritually alive while neglecting genuine intimacy with God.

And social media has made this temptation incredibly easy.

We can post verses without reading them deeply. Talk about prayer more than we actually pray. Curate encouragement while privately running on empty. Build an image of holiness while our inner life quietly weakens.

Jesus warned about this long before social media existed.

He spoke about those who prayed publicly to be seen by men while neglecting secret intimacy with the Father.

Because God has never been impressed by spiritual performance.

He is not moved by carefully crafted appearances. He sees through polished captions, rehearsed humility, and curated spirituality straight into the condition of the heart.

And if we are honest, most of us have wrestled with this in some form. There is something in human nature that wants to be seen.

Affirmed.
Validated.
Admired.

But the kingdom of God is built in hidden places.

Private prayer.
Quiet obedience.
Secret repentance.
Unseen faithfulness.
Silent surrender.

The deepest roots grow underground where no one applauds them.

Some of us are curating an image of intimacy with God while neglecting actual intimacy with God.

And eventually, the soul becomes exhausted trying to maintain an appearance that private life cannot sustain.

The Lord never asked us to perform holiness. He asked us to abide in Him.

Because fruit does not grow through performance. It grows through connection.

And perhaps one of the holiest things we can do in this generation is stop trying to look spiritually impressive and simply become honest before God again.

The Lord meets us in secret places long before He meets us in public ones.

Love ya, and He does too!