Virtue signalling is defined as ‘the conspicuous expressing of moral standards with the primary intent of enhancing social standing’. It is everywhere. But what would Jesus have to say of the virtue signaller? In the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, the Pharisee trusts in himself for his righteousness and treats others with contempt. The default setting of those who exalt themselves is that they despise others. Jesus tells us that in his kingdom there will be a great reversal.
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
