The concept of virtue is a bit of an oddity. On the one hand, one might “stand for virtue.” But on the other hand, we ponder what actually constitutes virtue. In other words, there is both a definition of it and a classification of virtues in the plural.
A common definition will say virtue is something along the lines of being “a trait or quality displaying moral excellence.” I can’t argue with that. This being the case, though, we all naturally possess character traits that are virtuous in nature, and some that are not. Does that mean we are both virtuous and unvirtuous?
And how do we know if we’re on the right track? Does it even matter?
Indulge me a bit more as I explore these ideas a bit more.
Attributes of Virtue
What are the attributes constituting virtue? Not coincidentally, Paul addresses that question in the book of Philippians.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Honorable. Just. Pure. Lovely and commendable. Worthy of praise. While this is hardly an exhaustive list, Paul gives us some attributes we can use to help us begin to conceptualize. Moreover, he calls Christ followers to a lifetime of obedience. And in pursuing obedience, by pondering and living out these traits, we live in the peace of God.
This was Paul’s fervent longing; that we would life upright and in peaceful obedience.
Virtue is an oddity. With examples from Philippians, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Peter, this post examines what virtue is, what the Bible says about it, and why it matters? Also, we ponder the essential need for spiritual integrity of heart.
“Integrity of Heart”
This obedience extends beyond the act of doing. Paul is provoking the church at Philippi (and us) to cultivate a spiritual thought life.” You see, it’s more about motive and source than it is of our acts. It must be born of an upright heart.
I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. – 1 Chronicles 29:17 (ESV)
In some translations, the phrase, “uprightness of my heart” is transcribed as “integrity of my heart” (NIV, NLT, NASB, being among them). In this regard, I get an impression of God being something like the “quality control inspector” of our souls. As such, He knows our hearts – all the perfections and imperfections – better than we know our own.
He evaluates the uprightness or integrity of our hearts. Further, like a QA inspector, he longs to issue us a “well done” sticker. And when he can’t deem it as such, he abhors our hearts (Proverbs 11:20).
Thankfully, in his grace, he does not toss our hearts to the metaphorical reject pile. No, instead, he uses our experiences to shape us and reform us into the perfect work of his hand.
Moral Excellence
All this being said and understood, should our motive be that divine “well done” sticker? Not really. Like God, we should aspire to perfect the process to the result. Not the result itself.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[a] and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities[b] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV)
These virtues presented by Peter are disciplines, or virtues, prescribed to Christians seeking growth and spiritual development that is pleasing to God.
Again, it’s not an all-exhaustive list. However, it is one that’s very sound. One that should be pillars of growing our faith. We will cover these more in future posts.
In fact, they form the basis for the remainder of our Year of Listening Up 2020.