One of the hardest habits to release is the temptation to perform our faith.
Jesus names this directly in Matthew 6. “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.” He talks about praying, giving, fasting (all good and holy things!) but he warns how easily they can become spiritual theater.
Faith can slowly shift from something that grounds and directs our life, into something that we do just to be noticed or affirmed. It’s a subtle but dangerous shift from “love of God” to “fear of what others think”.
And if we’re honest, the temptation for faith to become this type of performance, is almost always pulling at us. We want to say the right thing at the right cultural moment. We want to be perceived as thoughtful, faithful, and engaged. Even our justice work or compassion can quietly morph into something that proves who we are rather than expressing who God is.
Lutheran theology is very clear that we are justified by grace through faith. Our appearances, or public righteousness, or our carefully curated virtue are not the source of our salvation. And thanks be to God for this truth! While we are often drawn into a performative faith, ultimately, “being seen as good enough” is not what’s required to be saved.
Lent gently asks: what if your faith didn’t need an audience?
What if it was enough for God to see?
Reflection question:
Where might your faith be driven more by perception than by trust?
Jesus names this directly in Matthew 6. “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.” He talks about praying, giving, fasting (all good and holy things!) but he warns how easily they can become spiritual theater.
Faith can slowly shift from something that grounds and directs our life, into something that we do just to be noticed or affirmed. It’s a subtle but dangerous shift from “love of God” to “fear of what others think”.
And if we’re honest, the temptation for faith to become this type of performance, is almost always pulling at us. We want to say the right thing at the right cultural moment. We want to be perceived as thoughtful, faithful, and engaged. Even our justice work or compassion can quietly morph into something that proves who we are rather than expressing who God is.
Lutheran theology is very clear that we are justified by grace through faith. Our appearances, or public righteousness, or our carefully curated virtue are not the source of our salvation. And thanks be to God for this truth! While we are often drawn into a performative faith, ultimately, “being seen as good enough” is not what’s required to be saved.
Lent gently asks: what if your faith didn’t need an audience?
What if it was enough for God to see?
Reflection question:
Where might your faith be driven more by perception than by trust?
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2026
January
365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - St. Ignatius ExamenHymn Reflection - God of Love, O King of PeaceThe Book of Deuteronomy - Establishing CommunityThe Epiphany of Our LordRated PG: Thoughts on Isaiah 58The Unexpected Ways of God: Mistakes Epiphany Rising Stars - Guidance365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Lectio DivinaEpiphany Rising Stars - InspirationThe Book of Joshua - God Keeps the PromiseThe Baptism of Our LordRated PG: Thoughts on Jeremiah 29:7The Unexpected Ways of God: Prayer365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Centering PrayerThe Book of Judges - Abundant MercyRated PG: Thoughts on Matthew 5New BeginningsEpiphany Rising Stars - Seasons365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Prayer JournalingEpiphany Rising Stars - ChangesEpiphany Rising Stars - Knowledge of LoveEpiphany Rising Stars - AweThe Book of Ruth - Challenging our AssumptionsStewardship SermonUnconditional LoveThe Unexpected Ways of God: FeastEpiphany Rising Stars - God Hold's the Future365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - The Jesus PrayerEpiphany Rising Stars - Beautiful SaviorThe Book of Ecclesiastes – Finding Meaning in God
February
Fourth Sunday after EpiphanyEpiphanies For Epiphany - GraceThe Unexpected Ways of God: SuprisesEpiphanies For Epiphany - Sanctification365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - GratitudeEpiphanies For Epiphany - Law & GospelThe Book of Philippians - Hope in Times of TroubleThe Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Epiphanies For Epiphany - CreationThe Unexpected Ways of God: Sports MoviesEpiphanies For Epiphany - Trinity365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Seasons, Rituals, and TraditionsEpiphanies For Epiphany - FaithThe Book of Song of Solomon – Love as a Reflection of God’s FaithfulnessThe Sixth Sunday after EpiphanyEpiphanies For Epiphany - SilenceThe Unexpected Ways of God: Niagara FallsThe Season of Lent365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Daily Life CuesUnlearning for Lent - I am what I accomplishThe Book of Isaiah - Hope in the Midst of JudgementThe First Sunday in LentHymn Devo - Lord of All HopefulnessYou Are SpecialUnlearning for Lent - I am what I accomplish CopyRated PG: Thoughts on Luke 4Unlearning for Lent - Performative Faith
2025
January
February
Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
The Life was The Light of All PeopleWaiting PatientlyUnseenCreator God, I pray for the earth...God, I want to be better at...Holy Spirit, Help me UnderstandGod, Grant Me Patience WithThe Gospel of John - Guidance for LifeJesus Christ, Forgive Me ForThe Book of 1st Samuel - Trust During the BattlesGod of the Oppressed, protect those who are vulnerableEnduring Lord, I hope forPrince of Peace, Calm my Mind When...God, I wonder aboutThe Book of Hebrews - The Grand Story of SalvationBlessed Jesus, help me to let go ofHoly Jesus, we pray for your church
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