Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:1, CSB)
Narcissism, the self-absorbed craving for admiration, derives from Greek mythology. Narcissus is so handsome he dies gazing at his own reflection in a pool, completely ignoring his need for food or sleep. Today’s digital world of filtered selfies tempts people to engage in righteous deeds out of false motives. An unhealthy thirst for approval can lead to virtue signaling and attention-seeking behavior removing the focus from Jesus and placing it on ourselves.
The solution is easy. Don’t parade your good deeds on Main Street for everyone to see. Instead, quietly visit that homebound neighbor. Privately counsel that friend in need. Secretly donate to help the poor. Confidentially volunteer your time and serve. Clearly, it is good to perform righteous deeds. But telling others all about it forfeits our heavenly reward. Let us keep the focus on our unfiltered Jesus.