Mortality and Divinity: Virtue

Embark on a journey through “Mortality and Divinity,” where each step uncovers the transformative power of Christian Virtues, beyond mere ideals, into the essence of a life shaped by Jesus’ love and grace. Delve into faith, hope, love, and more as we explore living as accurate reflections of God’s image. These virtues are concepts and invitations to deepen our relationship with our Creator and those around us. Together, let’s discover how these virtues weave into the fabric of our lives, guiding us to shape our communities and the world with the love of Christ.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, 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 are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3–11, ESV)

Imagine, if you will, a path laid out by God, rich with the potential for us to grow into the very essence of what it means to be divine. This isn’t about becoming a deity but about embracing the divine nature that God has shared with us. It’s about living lives marked by a moral excellence that reflects God’s character. And at the heart of this journey is virtue.

Virtue, or in Greek, “aretē,” is a word that doesn’t pop up throughout the New Testament. It makes a special appearance a few times, pointing towards moral courage, the bravery that shapes how we live about God and each other. It’s about being the best version of ourselves, not just in what we believe but in how we act—how we show up in the world.

Consider virtue the courage to be who God calls us to be, even when it’s tough. It’s the backbone of our faith, supporting us to stand firm, to speak truth, and to love deeply, even when faced with opposition or temptation. It’s the moral fiber that enables us to face giants with the confidence of David, to stand in the fire with the resolve of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to preach the truth with the boldness of John the Baptist.

Living a virtuous life isn’t about going with the flow or blending into the background. It’s about standing up, standing out, and standing firm. Whether in the minority, facing temptation, or confronting injustice, virtue calls us to act with courage and integrity.

And this call isn’t just for the extraordinary moments of life; it’s for every day. It’s for the quiet decisions we make when no one’s watching, the kind words we choose over harsh ones and the stand we take for what’s right, even when it’s easier to do wrong.

So, what does this mean for us? It means that being a follower of Jesus is about more than just believing; it’s about becoming. It’s about letting faith shape our actions, decisions, and interactions. It’s about embodying the virtues that reflect God’s nature—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

As we journey through life, let’s strive to add virtue to our faith, to let our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love and grace. Let’s be people of moral courage, people who believe in God’s goodness and live it out, influencing our communities and the world for the better.

So, I invite you to ask yourself: Do I manifest virtue? Am I living as the person God wants me to be? Remember, in the pursuit of virtue, we’re not walking alone. God is with us, guiding, strengthening, and transforming us into His likeness, one step at a time.

‌‌~PW 🌮🛶