Add Virtue to Your Faith

In our previous study, we looked at faith. Faith is the foundation of our life, and we build upon it using the traits listed in 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Each of these traits supports and strengthens the others. When we practice them together, they keep us from stumbling. Nurturing these qualities takes a lifetime of effort, but it deeply enriches our lives.

What is Virtue?

To our faith, we must add virtue (moral excellence). Other Bible translations translate this word as “moral excellence” or “goodness.”

Our faith requires a deep commitment to the high moral standards taught and lived out by Jesus. In 1 Peter 1:16, the apostle Peter reminds us of God’s command:

Be holy, for I am holy.

God calls us to live holy lives in the middle of an unholy world. We are meant to act as lights, reflecting the character of Jesus to those around us.

Real Change is Possible

We cannot achieve moral excellence on our own. It is the Word of God that teaches us how to live righteously (in alignment with God’s law).

The ancient city of Corinth was famous for its wickedness. In those days, to “act like a Corinthian” meant to live a highly immoral life. Yet, even in that corrupt environment, people transformed their lives to follow Christ.

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

(Note: “Sanctified” means set apart as holy; “justified” means declared righteous or forgiven by God).

The gospel has the power to change anyone. If you read the two epistles (letters written by apostles) to the Corinthians, you see they had many spiritual struggles. Yet, they were actively growing in Christ.

Whether we have a little or a lot of change to make, adding moral excellence to our character is essential.

The Courage to Stand

Virtue is not just about keeping a high moral standard. It is also about having the courage to maintain that standard when faced with persecution.

In Roman times, the word “virtue” was used to describe a brave soldier who stood his ground in battle. As Christians, we are in a spiritual battle against the forces of evil. We must stand courageous against the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

Our bravery must come from the strength we receive through our faith (Ephesians 6:10). We often sing:

On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array. Let tents of ease be left behind and onward to the fray… the earth shall tremble ‘neath our tread, and echo with our shout.

Facing Conflict with the World

Living with moral excellence will inevitably cause tension with the world around us (1 Peter 4:1-4).

Many people do not want to stand out for their moral convictions. They prefer a world where morality is relative and decided on a case-by-case basis. When people constantly rationalize wrong choices, they become morally weak. We must choose a different path.

We must develop moral courage:

• The courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who faced a fiery furnace rather than bow to a golden idol.
• The courage of Daniel, who faced a den of lions rather than stop praying to God.
• The courage of David, who ran to meet Goliath in battle because he trusted God.
• The courage of countless Christian martyrs who faced torture and death rather than deny their Savior.

Great faith requires great courage. Let us build that courage daily.