A British journalist claims to have originated the phrase “virtue signaling” in 2015. It is a way of expressing an opinion, often on social media, that aligns with some modern moral crusade without actually doing anything concrete to support it. Someone may add a symbol to their post to show their solidarity with a movement without having given a single dollar to help. Another may wear a T-shirt or wristband that portrays the wearer as an activist when he has never lifted a finger for the cause. Businesses boast environmentally friendly policies that, in truth, have enacted no substantive changes to the workplace. Virtue signaling is about image. It’s moral outrage with no sacrifice. It’s all hat and no cattle. It’s all sizzle and no steak.
The phrase may be new, but the existence of moral pretenders is not. Ananias and Sapphira gave a large sum of money to the church but were judged by God for claiming credit for more than what they gave. They were more concerned about their image than sacrifice. They were, in a sense, killed for virtue signaling.
After a woman used expensive perfume to anoint Jesus, it was Judas Iscariot that said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (Jn. 12:5). The following verse exposes his cunning virtue signaling. “He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” Judas manufactured an image of moral superiority for personal gain.
These are egregious examples of virtue signaling (both ended in death), but the same happens today when people present an image of Christianity that is void of sacrifice. In biblical terms it is a faith without works. The Bible calls this a “dead faith” that is incapable of saving. The opposite is a faith that is active along with works. It is a faith that has real substance.
Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Does your Christ-following involve a denial of yourself? I know of a man that gave up his business because he was convicted that it didn’t honor the Lord. Many forgo financial opportunities to ensure they can be in God’s house on the Lord’s Day. Others knowingly forgo friendships and forfeit their reputation to stand for biblical truth. Can you say the same about your walk with the Lord? Do willfully deny yourself things for the glory of God?
In following Christ, are there ways in which you have legitimately taken up your cross? Have you shouldered burdens just because you are a Christian? On short notice a friend rescheduled our coffee appointment, and it was only later that I learned it was because he chose instead to take care of an elderly neighbor. She was unable to leave her house due to some downed trees, so he took an entire day, with his own tools and considerable physical effort, to cut, move and stack the wood. He assumed a responsibility that was not his to serve his neighbor and to honor God. His is a faith backed by works.
You could be a Christian virtue signaler if you express a love for the Lord by showing up to church and excitedly talking to others (in spiritual jargon, no less) yet fail to actually sacrifice anything for the kingdom. In so doing, you present a false reality to other churchgoers. You are managing an image with neither a denial of self nor a willingness to add a God glorifying burden. You’re all show and no go. You’re all icing and no cake.
Examine yourself to see if there is a disconnect between the faith you claim and your works. After measuring your action against your image, ask God to help you seek substance over signaling.
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt. 10:38–39)