August 04, 2003
A Lost Concept: Virtue
2 Peter 1:5. For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge.Virtue seems to have disappeared these days; gone the way of chivalry, which was simply another way to describe a virtuous man. But I think it’s a profound lesson that our society – especially 21st century American society – must take note of: Lack of virtue is destructive.
Often you hear older men and women suggest that the world is far different from their youth. I think what they are describing in physical terms is the degradation of virtue in our society. No longer can we trust the word of an unknown person. In fact, we typically distrust our bosses, coworkers, and even neighbors, always assuming that no one has kept the virtue of truthfulness. One thing we understand in modern America, with its libertarian direction, is that you’re on your own. Caveat Emptor has become an excuse for companies to lie and people to give up on living honest lives. Where does this leave us?
One important lesson for Christians is that the virtues are learned together. You can assume those who are virtuous in one area are virtuous in others. Likewise, don’t expect a thief to be honest. As followers of Christ, we are obligated to assume the best in others and trust in God to protect us from those less than deserving. Ultimately, this is the advice we follow, but God does not expect blindness. We should watch those who are unkind, not loyal, or dishonest. These are signs that point directly to a lack of virtue.
As for ourselves we should work to become virtuous. I highly recommend Learning the Virtues by Romano Guardini. It’s an excellent guide to become virtuous in your life – and through virtue living a more joyful, happy life.
God bless,
Jay
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