Achieving Moral Excellence

As we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18), certain attributes of the Christian life should begin to show. One of those character traits is virtue. In classic Greek literature the word means courage or valor. In Luke 6:19 the same Greek word that is translated virtue is translated power. In 2 Peter 1:5 the word translated virtue mean moral excellence. Virtue has been described as having the courage to exercise your faith. In more simple terms it means doing right for the sake of right.

How then may this moral excellence be achieved? First, moral excellence is achieved through Stability. We are not to be double-minded (James 1:8). Paul urged the Corinthians to be steadfast and immovable and always abound in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:18). Stability will keep us from being deceived by every wind of doctrine that comes along (Ephesians 4:14). Being stable will keep us from the trouble that plagued the church at Laodicia, that is being lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-17).

Second, moral excellence is achieved through Conviction. A spirit of non-compromise is a vital part of a virtuous life. Daniel would not eat of the king’s food (Daniel 1:8) nor would he pray to anyone except God (Daniel 6:3-10). When the Apostles were forbidden to speak the name of Jesus, they could not compromise truth. They prayed for boldness (Acts 4:19-30) and declared their obedience to God (Acts 5:29). Part of being convicted is enduring and persevering (2 Timothy 2:3, James 1:2-3).

Third moral excellence is achieved through Purification. Isaiah expressed a desire to be pure as he was called into the Lord’s service (Isaiah 6:4-7). The process of purity begins with the rejection of worldliness (1 John 2:15-17). Purity is made possible be the cleansing blood of Christ (Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 7:14). Purity is maintained by resisting Satan and drawing close to God (James 4:7-8). To be pure we must think on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report (Philippians 4:8). Purity keeps us from sharing in the sins of others (1 Timothy 5:22).

Moral excellence gives us courage to Confess our Faith. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Jesus commands us to confess Him before men (Matthew 10:32). Moral excellence gives us courage to Live our Faith. We can be the example that Jesus wants us to be (Matthew 5:14-16). We can conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27). We can walk worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1-3). Moral excellence gives us courage to Teach our Faith. God has given us a spirit of power and not fear (2 Timothy 1:6-8). Like Timothy, we must preach the word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:1-5). We must have courage and be ready to give an answer for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15).

Do we have what it takes to be people of virtue?

~ Greg Neill