What Determines Our Virtue?

Yesterday morning, my daughter rose while it was yet dark and started making breakfast for the family. As she’s doing things like this, I start to see the characteristics of a virtuous woman taking root in her.

We’ve all heard of the virtuous woman found in Proverbs chapter 31, and we all know that patience is a “virtue,” but what does the word really mean?

Another question would be: what is the difference between good values and virtues? Understanding the difference between the two, and the importance of virtue, helps me to not only understand the apostle Peter’s letter to the church—which I’ll touch on a bit further down--but to also take the necessary steps of applying it to my life.

Values vary from person to person according to their cultural upbringing, social standing and adherence to faith. They are the things that we deem as important such as valuing friendships and honesty.

Virtues are conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles (dictionary.com). The key word there is conformity. Christian virtues are evident in a person living by the wisdom of God. True believers aren’t conformed to this world, they are transformed by the renewing of their mind. Seven of the common Christian virtues are: purity, benevolence, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility.

So I got to reading 2 Peter chapter 1 tonight, and I see that Peter is calling us to a life of godliness according to the divine knowledge that we receive. He uses the word, “knowledge” a few times in this chapter, but looking to the Greek translation, we see a marvellous word there, epignōsis, that translates as, knowledge of things ethical and divine. (Strongs G1922).

Let’s take a look at verse three:


According as his divine power hath
given unto us all things that pertain
unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him that hath called
us to glory and virtue.
~ 2 Peter 1:3, KJV


Notice those words. We are called to glory AND virtue. In order to understand glory, think of this line, “The heavens declare your glory, oh Lord,” then put yourself in place of the heavens. Our conduct should be declaring the glory of God in the same way that the stars do on a clear summer’s night. When people look at my life, I want them to have a positive view of the Lord. That’s what being glory is, as opposed to just giving glory to God.

What is your moral compass, and if it is the Bible, then are you diligently seeking the scriptures for divine knowledge that God so freely gives? Are you praying for His will in your life and that of your family?

If we watch talk shows hoping to gain parental advice, or search Google for answers, we’re merely being spoon fed by society. If we want to escape the corruption of this world, we need to turn from it, rather than running to it for advice.

Even more damaging than this are the modern and seemingly intelligent women who offer advice to Christians based on a secular view rather than Biblical principles. It’s more damaging, because we don’t see it coming and those who are weak in the faith can be easily swayed.

“You deserve to be happy!” Sounds pretty good coming from a woman with a PHD, coifed hair, and well-manicured nails, never mind the fact that her kids are living with their dad on the weekends while she’s out with her boyfriend living like she’s seventeen once again. She might have some values, but let’s not confuse values with virtue.

God seeks an eternal plan for your life, and understands the blessings that come with self-sacrifice. Living in glory and virtue says that our life, our choices, and our conduct will be lined up with those principles laid out in scripture, not messages that society is serving our way. Faith says that I’m going to put my trust in Him whether it feels like I’m walking on glass or soaking my feet at the spa, and that's what determines our virtue.

And beside this, giving all diligence,
add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge.
~ 2 Peter 1:5


You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

Find Time-Warp Wife on facebook: Click here

If you would like to have Time-Warp Wife delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here: Subscribe to Time-Warp Wife

In participation with: