Peter, writing a general epistle primarily to persecuted saints who had been scattered throughout their world, (I Pet. 1:1) establishes in the first few verses of his second letter to them that the foundation of any life is, first and foremost, faith. But our experience does not end there. Peter quickly adds that there are several crucial characteristics that followers of Christ must cultivate in our walk with Him. The first of these is virtue.
Virtue is demanded by our calling: “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.” (II Peter 1:3) A common definition of virtue is “moral excellence.” “Who can find a virtuous woman?” Solomon queries in Proverbs 31:10, and then proceeds to tell us what she looks like. She is a woman of impeccable principle, self-discipline, unabated love for and protection of her family, and conscientious service to the community in which she lives.
Perhaps one would hesitate to quote John F. Kennedy on the subject of virtue, but what he once said about a person of virtue remains true: “Of those to whom much is given, much is required. And, when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each of us, recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities, our success or failure, we will be measured by the answers to the following four questions: Were we truly men of courage; were we truly men of judgment; were we truly men of integrity; were we truly men of dedication?” (Speech before the Massachusetts State Legislature, Jan. 9, 1961. Papers of John F. Kennedy) Our high calling of God in Christ Jesus demands nothing less than to embrace those things in which there is “any virtue.” (Phil. 4:8)
Virtue is also detailed by our character. We ever strive for excellence along with effectiveness. Not “how much” or “how fast” is the key to reaching that goal—but simply “how?” Did we play by the rules? Were we considerate of others? Was our goal to succeed to fulfill a selfish ambition, or to please our God? Edwin Markham, the poet laureate of Oregon (1923-1931), offers some food for thought here: “We are blind until we see nothing is worth the making if it does not make the man. Why build these cities glorious if man unbuilded goes? In vain we build the world, unless the builder grows.” Virtue, detailed by our character, will keep us on track and on target in the building of our life and legacy.
Virtue is deciphered by our composite. Who is the composite you? A beautiful composite portrait of a woman of virtue is, again, painted in Proverbs 31. Gene Getz, in his best-selling book The Measure of a Man, draws from Paul’s composite depiction of the bishop, who must be “blameless…vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality…not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.” (I Tim. 3:2,3) That would be a composite portrayal of a man of virtue. George Washington desired that his life would reflect virtuous qualities: “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an ‘honest man.’” If we aspire to the same noble end, it will be because of a personal decision, and through a personal diligence: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14). There was a personal decision and a persistent diligence to allow the Holy Spirit to produce a man who could be deciphered by a composite: virtue.
Finally, virtue is delivered by our contemplation. Paul said, “If there be any virtue…any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8) “And beside this, giving all diligence,” Peter admonishes. (I Pet.1:5) We must and will find time, in the busyness of the hurry-scurry world in which we live, to join the band of those who have finished their course before us to contemplate His life in us and our life in Him. If indeed, as Peter affirms, He has given unto us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” there is no limit as to the contemplative life of the follower of Christ. This of course will not mean that we will be so heavenly minded that we will be of no earthly good; but it will mean that we will be so heavenly minded that we will be of great earthly good.
Add to your faith, then, virtue. It is demanded by our calling, detailed by our character, deciphered by our composite, and delivered by our contemplation.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil.4:8)
YOU and GOD 