Our Scripture reading for this Sunday is Matthew 6:1-4 (but I invite you to read through verse 8), and Luke 18:9-14.
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Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung (author of "Glittering Vices") says "Chances are that we all suffer from vainglory -- a keen desire for attention and approval."
Vainglory shows up when we feel the need to embellish our resume in order to get the attention of an employer, when we try to get more credit for something than is necessary, when we post things on Facebook or Instagram to get likes.
Vainglory also shows up when we feel the need to "fake it to make it" -- that is when we feel the need to look and act a certain way in order to fit in and get approval from others. This temptation exists for us not only in the house we buy (what will people think? what does it say about me?), or the kind of image we project (will people like me?), but also in the way we may carry ourselves at church. The song, "Stained Glass Masquerade" by Casting Crowns gets at this struggle with vainglory.
You can watch a video of the song here: Stained Glass Masquerade -- Casting Crowns
On Sunday we will reflect on the vice of vainglory, and learn how we can experience the freedom we have been given over this vice through Christ.
(Hint: you don't have to impress God or pretend to be someone you are not. He loves you!)