There’s a difference between Virtue Signaling and Biblical virtue. But they share one thing in common. Both show a desire for righteousness.
And that’s good. Because it confirms a shared sense of morality. An understanding of right and wrong. Good and evil. And that our human goodness should please someone.
I believe that someone to please is an absolute, righteous God. Although you might say it’s about pleasing other people. Which is also true.
But here are four differences between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue.
The Difference Between Virtue Signaling And Biblical Virtue is One Glorifies Yourself And The Other Glorifies God
Virtue Signaling is a moral goodness, pat yourself on the back. It proclaims my support of a worthy cause, behavior or group. And casts judgment on those who aren’t on board.
It lifts me up by lowering others.
Don’t we all just love to pile on with “me too” frenzy when public figures commit despicable acts? And feel better about ourselves since we are not like that.
Biblical virtue, however, focuses on God’s goodness.
Why? Because the Bible says I’m a sinner. And my goodness is really not all that good. And my righteousness falls way short of God’s standard.
The Difference Between Virtue Signaling And Biblical Virtue is One Is Driven By Pride And The Other Humility
Virtue signaling says look at me. See how moral I am? How righteous? Except the Bible calls this self-righteousness. Because it’s really pride in disguise. And a humble brag of moral superiority.
And ultimately, virtue signaling leads to the sin Jesus regularly condemned. Hypocrisy.
Because as sinners, we all commit moral failures.
And yet, God offers forgiveness. Which makes me thankful. Because He freely gives me what I can’t earn. And it fills me with a desire to imitate the humility demonstrated by Jesus.
Comparing To Other People Versus Comparing To Jesus Christ
The difference between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue is that virtue signaling compares to other people. And Biblical virtue compares to Jesus Christ.
And have you noticed? Virtue signaling compares down.
It looks for someone messing up more than me. Because there’s always someone…somewhere…at some time…morally messing up more than me. I just carefully pick the right one.
And I say carefully, because in some moral areas, I might be someone else’s pick.
Jesus models the righteousness I should pursue. Even though I’ll never reach his level. Because Jesus was God in human form. And perfect. And I’m not.
But I press on. Striving for a Godly righteousness I won’t fully attain. And following the one who did.
Condemnation And Shame Versus Grace
The difference between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue is virtue signaling is about condemnation. And Biblical virtue is about grace. The first sings my praises. The second praises God.
Because we all break God’s law. Are on the same, sinful playing field. And no one is better than anyone else.
And yet, God offers everyone grace. So we should offer it to others as well. Along with understanding. Compassion. And truth.
I understand the reason for virtue signaling. Without absolute standards, you can only measure your moral goodness by comparison.
But it’s always a shooting target. And never satisfying. The Bible however, provides God’s standard for righteousness. Tells us why it’s important. And how to attain it.
When you embrace the difference between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue. It will make a big difference in your life.
What if heaven is real? It’s a question you’ve probably asked. We all have. And maybe you’ve reached a satisfying conclusion. Or you’re still weighing on it. Or perhaps, simply choosing not to think about it. At least, until you have to.
But if heaven is real, then it means something to the here and now. And should impact your life in some manner. So if heaven is real, then here are three things for you to consider.
If Heaven Is Real It Should Give You A Positive Perspective On Life
Life is full of questions. Some we can answer, some we can’t. And what happens after we die…if anything…is the greatest, unsolved mystery of all. It weighs on us. Unsettles us. Even haunts us. Especially as the end of life draws closer.
And despite all our scientific achievements. Life enduring medical breakthroughs. Technological advancements. End of life is always there. Waiting. And the question of “what’s next?” teases us like a fishing lure, trolling always just out of reach.
But if heaven is real, the question is answered, the mystery solved and the issue settled. Well, maybe not completely settled. You still have to figure out the entrance requirements.
Also, when things in life go haywire, you have something to cling to. Look forward to. An attitude game changer and eternal perspective that eases life’s burdens.
And you possess one of the most powerful, motivating forces on earth. Hope.
If Heaven Is Real You Should Pay Attention To What Jesus Said About It
As a matter of fact, heaven is mentioned in fifty-four books of the Bible. And Jesus discusses it around 70 times just in the book of Matthew. Not like it’s a fantasy or wishful thinking. But like it’s real. Like he’s been there. And making sure it’s ready for us too.
Furthermore, he describes it and the path to get there. And makes it sound like a really cool place to spend eternity. He describes another not so cool place to spend eternity too. But let’s stay on topic.
Then again. Will we sit on clouds playing harps? Probably not. Besides, sounds boring anyway.
Most likely, heaven is about relationships. Living with Jesus. And in harmony with other people. You get the sense there’s purpose and meaning to life in heaven. Also, I’m hopeful golf might still be a thing, but we’ll see.
If Heaven Is Real It Should Give You A Sense of Mission
However, first make sure you understand the entrance requirements and that you qualify. The real qualifications surprise a lot of people. Especially if you think they involve doing enough good things to outweigh the bad. That’s a popular cultural idea not found in the Bible.
And now, you should have a mission of utmost importance. Not to mention eternal significance. How many people can you take with you?
After all. You’re not going to keep this incredible news to yourself are you? Spend eternity with a bunch of strangers? Because you want your family and friends with you too, right?
So, tell them the good news. Urge them to join you. Convince and take along as many people as you can. They will become your greatest reward. You know, treasures in heaven.
Can you think of any better happily ever after story than that?
There are three practices that lead to success. Okay, probably more than three. But I think these three are really important. And yes, I know. We all define success differently. And we’re all pursuing different endeavors of success.
Perhaps it’s getting in shape, earning a degree, career advancement, or simply accumulating wealth.
For me, as a Christ-follower, my relationship with God is important. But even that doesn’t just happen. Like other relationships, it requires a commitment and investment of time.
Whatever the endeavor—whether it’s cultivating your spiritual relationship with God, advancing in your career, or losing weight, these three practices will drive you towards success.
Practice Self-Discipline For Success
Once you know what you’re trying to accomplish and the path to get there you have to stay on that path.
Consistently. Regularly. Habitually.
Feelings are not your friend in achieving success. But self-discipline is. Feelings will try to dissuade you from your endeavor. Because they seek pleasure and comfort. “Oh, come on,” they’ll say. “You can skip this one time. You just don’t feel like it today.”
In my own life, I maintain a daily, work-out schedule. If I let my feelings rule, I’d stay at home and drink coffee half the time. So I don’t. Let them rule, that is.
Self-discipline engages your will over your feelings. Because, whatever the endeavor, success requires putting in the work.
This means developing routines and habits that move you the direction you want to go. And sticking with them. Because success rarely happens overnight. It requires time and effort.
Practice Making One-Time Decisions For Success
A powerful companion to maintaining self-discipline is learning to make one-time decisions.
Tell me. When you get up in the morning do you spend any time deciding whether or not you will go to work?
Of course not. You have to go to work…to earn a living…to pay your bills. A decision to go to work doesn’t even cross your mind. Unless you’re sick or have other extenuating circumstance. Why? Because you already made the decision that you will go to work. And you only had to make that decision once.
So what if you employed this one-time decision technique to other areas of your life? And the answer is, you can. Probably in more areas than you think.
And when it’s dark, cold and snowy outside and your feelings whine, “I don’t feel like exercising today,” you simply respond, “Sorry, I already made that decision. I’m going.” (I’m assuming, like me you live in the Midwest where it is currently winter. Please don’t say anything if you live in a warm, tropical climate because I hate you.)
Practice Persistence For Success
There are stories of people who win the lottery and are instantly rich. Or write their first novel and it’s an immediate best seller.
But for most of us, we try and fail multiple times. Practice, practice and practice. Pay our dues. We hang in there and keep trying until, finally we gain positive results.
Did you know?
Stephen King’s highly successful book, Carrie, was rejected by 30 publishers.
Thomas Edison’s teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything.
Colonel Sanders was 62, when he pitched his chicken recipe to restaurants and reports say 1,009 people rejected him.
The point is, success usually takes time and often includes failure. So keep that in mind and put these three practices to work to achieve your success.
Four Bible -based priorities for a balanced life. Jesus set the example for living a balanced life. I know, we usually blame imbalance on lack of time. But it’s really a lack of priority. Because we always make time for what’s important to us.
So make these four priorities a regular part of your schedule to enjoy a balanced life that is purposeful, meaningful and joyful.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. —Luke 2:52
Four Bible-based priorities for a balanced life. Mind development for intellectual balance.
Jesus grew in wisdom…
The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia. It means wisdom, broad and full of intelligence; Varied knowledge of things human and divine.
Even at 12, Jesus was an avid learner who spent time in the temple listening to religious teachers and asking them questions. And he amazed the people with his understanding and answers.
Begin your balanced life with intellectual engagement. And keep your mind active–learning and creating–to keep it sharp.
Read books, listen to podcasts, take music lessons, continuing education classes and participate in discussion groups. In other words, don’t settle for couch vegetation and thoughtless Internet surfing.
Four Bible-based priorities for a balanced life. Exercise and nutrition for physical balance.
Jesus grew in stature…
We can only speculate on what Jesus looked like. But he was a carpenter by trade, traveled on foot and regularly included fish in his diet. And carpentry was a more rugged occupation in his day than now. So it’s safe to assume Jesus was physically fit.
Terrific. We all know a balanced life includes exercise and a healthy diet. But knowing it and making happen is like the journey of a thousand miles. It requires determination and self-discipline. That’s my next blog topic.
Here’s the point: Your physical health impacts your cognitive and spiritual health. It improves your performance, your quality of life and your self-image.
Okay, so you don’t want to quit pizza and ice cream. Me neither. We’re going for a balanced life, not pleasure-less. So here’s a suggestion. Don’t approach it from what you should eliminate, but what you should ADD.
In other words, how can you add exercise into your week? How can you add fruit, vegetables and fish into your diet? Adding positive things into your lifestyle will naturally push out negative things.
Draw Closer To God For Spiritual Balance
Jesus grew in Favor with God…
By the time Jesus started his three year ministry, he was thoroughly knowledgeable in the Old Testament law. His balanced life included drawing close to his heavenly father through regular prayer. And God the father publicly affirmed him.
Therefore, an active, spiritual life is a must for a balanced life.
ByReading God’s Word. God’s Word is a game changer because it is living and active. Studying and meditating on it will spiritually replenish you and unleash its transforming power within and through you. Along with prayer and confession, God’s Spirit leads you towards His will and a balanced life that glorifies Him.
ByServing Others As Jesus demonstrated, we are also called to serve, not congregate in a holy huddle. It’s where you learn to exercise humility as you invest in advancing God’s Kingdom. Your eyes open to a bigger picture. And you find greater purpose through a hope that you are blessed to offer others.
Four Bible-based priorities for a balanced life. Engage In Christian Community For Social Balance
Jesus grew in favor with man…
Jesus demonstrated a vibrant social life. He clearly enjoyed hanging out with all kinds of people and was often, the life of the party. Perhaps that’s why the Co-vid pandemic is especially difficult. We aren’t made to live cooped up at home.
But keep in mind that a godly life is best lived in community with other Christ-followers. The church.
So build healthy, social relationships with a variety of people. But do so in a public manner that lives out your faith.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Overcoming Porn addiction is a serious problem for Christian men. Studies indicate that 60-70% of men in the evangelical church are addicted. It’s rarely discussed. And the number breaking free is small.
And for Christian men, it gets worse. Because Christian men know that viewing porn is a sin of sexual lust. And Jesus clearly taught that to think about adultery and commit adultery are both sin.
So Christian men who follow Jesus and call him Lord. Desire healthy marriages. Recognize porn as sin. Know it damages their family relationships. But still can’t quit are trapped.
So what do they do?
Hide their porn addiction, maintain a Christian appearance, and suffer with a profoundly deep and secret shame.
I’ve worked with these men for the last 5 years and observed these three keys for conquering porn addiction.
Christian Men Who Overcome Porn Addiction Want To Be Free
This sounds obvious, but it isn’t. Because the journey towards sobriety is a long haul. It requires more than a casual interest. So ask yourself. How much do you really want it?
The men I know celebrating freedom first plunged to the bottom. They cried out in despair, feeling both helpless and hopeless. Alarmed that their most treasured relationships were on the line. They became determined to overcome porn no matter what.
Other men join our groups because their wives threaten them. They attend and participate. Say all the right things. But don’t fully own the problem. Or often even admit it is a problem. They’re just appeasing their wives. And that is not enough.
Only when you’ve reached the bottom, you’re drowning in shame, desperate for freedom and willing to make recovery a priority are you ready to begin. Victory is possible. But it’s a long fought battle.
Christian Men Who Overcome Porn Addiction Approach It As A Moral And Neurological Problem
Porn addiction begins as a moral problem of engaging in lustful, sexual thoughts. So it’s natural to think the solution is a spiritual reversal. Increase how often you read God’s word, pray and confess. Pursue a deeper, spiritual life. And this is all important to the recovery process.
Except porn addiction is both a moral problem and a brain problem.
Because viewing porn over a period of time releases unhealthy surges of dopamine into the brain that alters gene expression and causes physical damage. In fact, brain scans show similarities between a cocaine addict’s brain and a porn addict’s brain.
Fortunately, God formed the brain with plasticity so it can return to normal. Renewing the mind can take 2-3 years, but is possible with perseverance.
Christian Men Who Overcome Porn Bring It Into The Light
Trying to overcome porn addiction by yourself is a long shot. Although Satan will urge you to try. Because he wants you isolated. Hiding in secret. Overwhelmed with shame. And trapped in hopeless bondage.
The men who experience freedom go public. They don’t confess it to everyone. In fact, they don’t always tell their wives until they are on a solid path towards recovery. Confidentiality is crucial for an effective porn addiction, recovery ministry.
But it starts with humility. Admit the problem to yourself. Confess it to God. Then seek the encouragement and support of other men. This is your brotherhood. A community of accountability partners. Who pick you up and watch your back. And with linked arms, you walk in the power of God’s Spirit towards victory.
There is hope. You can overcome porn addiction. When you admit the reality. Confess the sin. And commit to restoration. That’s God’s desire for you too.About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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