The Changing Face of Virtue

The Changing Face of Virtue

“Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to

 virtue knowledge, to knowledge self control…”

                               I Peter 1:5-6

The difficulty in defining virtue is that it represents the values and principles considered admirable and ethical in a given society. The definitions found in the dictionary include the following thoughts:

Conformity of one’s life and conduct to moral and ethical principles
A good or admirable quality, property, feature or trait
A particular moral excellence or strength

The problem becomes clear when we look at examples of what was once considered virtuous. In Russia during the Communist reign, turning in family members for religious activities was considered virtuous; in some Moslem nations, honor killings of daughters who dishonor their family is seen as acceptable and admirable behavior, and Germany considered involvement in the purging of Jews and other inferior races from their society as a desirable trait.

The title, The Changing Face of Virtue, reflects the not so subtle changes that have taken place in our society in recent years. Where once honesty, loyalty, integrity and kindness topped the list of values included under virtue, we have now seen success, comfort, convenience and acceptance take their place as qualities to be desired. Sadly, those values and virtues have opened the door to society accepting abortion, to a staggering divorce rate, to an acceptance and sanctioning of lifestyles contrary to God’s Word, and far more.

And the church has not been unaffected as the virtues God commends, faithfulness, commitment, a surrendered life and sacrificial living have taken a backseat in recent years to the same virtues the world embraces, comfort, convenience and “what’s best for me.” But the good news is that virtue can be reclaimed. We don’t have to be caught up in the downward spiral of values and character seen everywhere. We can decide to take a stand for true virtue, for integrity, honesty and hard work, loyalty in relationships and faithfulness in all areas of life. And in so doing, we can have a part in not only seeing Godly virtue restored to our nations, families and churches but in seeing hope restored for our future.

God Bless,
Pastor Joe
Gateway Church