Virtue
Part II: Series on Virtuous Living
Allan E. McNabb

In Part I of this article on virtuous living, we noticed that:

• Virtue is commanded (2 Pet. 1:5).
• Virtue begins with becoming a Christian.
• God's word sets the standard for morality, virtue.
• Christians grow spiritually, in virtue.

In Part II of this article, we investigate the apostle Paul’s command to think on these things, things that are virtuous.

Christians Meditate on Virtuous Things
A Christian's life is a life of virtue (2 Pet. 1:5). Therefore, Paul commands us to think on things that are virtuous (Phil. 4:8). We cannot allow our minds to dwell upon evil and expect to live virtuously before God. "Evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Cor. 15:33). If our mind is in the gutter, we cannot live a virtuous life.

Christians can never escape all of the negative influences of sin (1 Cor. 5:9f). But, we must work very hard to keep from dwelling on the sin that surrounds us as we interact with people of the world. We can never allow ourselves to gleefully entertain the pleasures of unrighteousness in our minds (2 Th. 2:11-12; 2 Tim. 3:1-4). To do so is sin (cf.
Matt. 6:19-21; Ja. 5:1-6).

Virtue is More Valuable than Worldly Wealth
Solomon said, "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies" (Pr. 31:10). Solomon's rhetorical question implies that a virtuous woman is extremely difficult to find. This is not just applicable to women, but virtuous people in general are difficult to find. In the time of Noah, there were only eight virtuous people on the earth (1 Pet. 3:20). And Jesus tells us that few people will be saved (Matt. 7:13-14) denoting that only a few virtuous people will ever live on earth.

A virtuous wife is worth much more than rubies. We have an abundance of rubies compared with the number of virtuous women on the earth. Therefore, a virtuous woman far outweighs the value of rubies. Generally speaking, virtue is more valuable than worldly wealth. A virtuous life results in eternal life, but worldly wealth is temporal (cf. Matt. 6:19-21; Ja. 5:1-6).

We will Behold God's Absolute Virtue
Absolute virtue (excellence) is possessed by God (2 Pet. 1:3). As God's children, we strive to imitate Him each and every day (cf. Matt. 5:48).

One day, Christians will behold absolute perfection and virtue in heaven while worshiping before God's throne. Take a moment and think about your life.

• Are you a virtuous person?
• Will you eternally live in the midst of absolute virtue while worshiping before God's throne? Or, will you only get a brief glimpse of God's virtue as you stand condemned before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10)?