The Snare of Being Seen to Do Right
The Snare of Being Seen to Do Right
Introduction
In an age where visibility defines value, the pressure to appear righteous can be greater than the desire to actually walk in truth. Whether on social media, in church culture, or Christian communities online, many believers feel compelled to be seen doing what is right—even if the action itself is hollow or manipulated. This article explores the spiritual danger of performative righteousness, and how the desire to look right in the eyes of others can lead a believer into striving unlawfully.
When Appearances Take the Throne
The modern believer is often surrounded by a watching audience. From YouTube ministries to church testimonies, Christian life is increasingly put on display. The danger arises when a believer begins to act not out of the Spirit’s leading but out of fear of judgment or desire for praise. As Paul wrote in Galatians 1:10: "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."
Pleasing man is a subtle snare. It looks good. It feels safe. But it puts man's opinion in God's rightful place.
Striving Unlawfully
Paul also wrote, "And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully" (2 Timothy 2:5). When we act righteously for the sake of being seen, we are no longer striving lawfully—we are seeking the crown by manipulation. This could mean public displays of reconciliation that are not sincere, exaggerated confessions, or platforming “humility” for an audience. God sees the heart, not the optics.
Performative Christianity
Public religion is not a new danger. Jesus warned against it openly:
- "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 6:1)
- "They love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues... to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." (Matthew 23:6–7)
Today's version of this includes:
- Sharing acts of charity online
- Public apologies for show
- Statements made for the approval of a religious audience
None of these are automatically wrong—but when the motivation is appearance rather than obedience, the result is spiritual danger.
The Table of Contrast
| True Righteousness | Performative Righteousness |
|---|---|
| Obeys God in secret (Matt 6:6) | Acts publicly to gain approval |
| Speaks the truth in love (Eph 4:15) | Softens truth to look gentle |
| Resists evil even if unpopular | Avoids confrontation to maintain image |
| Endures loss for Christ’s sake | Protects reputation at all costs |
Conclusion
The snare of being seen to do right is subtle and socially reinforced. But the Lord desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). The believer who seeks to walk in integrity must be willing to lose reputation, to be misunderstood, and even to look unrighteous in the world's eyes while remaining faithful to Christ.
Let us walk in truth—not for applause, not for perception, but because the Lord sees in secret, and His reward is sure.