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THE NEED FOR VIRTUES Mat 11:12 "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." The kingdom of God still suffers violence that goes far beyond what we classify as martyrdom. The most devastating attacks against Christians are not the obvious ones. It is the underlying, covert type that are most effective. These subtle attacks are focused against our belief system. (Psa 1:1-3) "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." The Lord used the analogy of a tree having its roots close to water to show us the importance and relevance of what we believe deep in our hearts. The moral of the story is "the quality of the tree starts at the root system." The devil cannot always get someone to believe a literal lie, so he masters in bending the truth. That has been his strategy since his first attack against mankind in the garden of Eden. The greatest attack today is against the virtues of Christian believers. These attacks are unlike direct attacks against one's health, or evil oppressions that can be felt. With a simple twist of words, the very fabric that anchors our lives to the truth can be torn, and lives can be shipwrecked. I believe that this is why the Lord prompted the Apostle Peter to instruct us to add virtue to what we believe. (2 Pet 1:5) "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;" Dictionaries agree that virtue is moral excellence, and righteousness. They also define virtue as having power and authority. One of the greatest misnomers in the church today, the lack of virtuous integrity, is caused by a misinterpretation of legalism. For some, it is true deception. For others, it is nothing more than an excuse to have their own way. When we examine the quality of virtues being displayed by the majority of our country, we need not ask, "Why is America going down hill so fast?" If we examine the virtuous qualities in our lives, we may not have to ask, "Why does the church at large seem so powerless today?" Every society anchors its ideas in its virtues. The problem is that men have allowed the definitions of virtues to be distorted to fit their evil desires. Without undistorted virtues, no community can escape ebbing disintegration, and ultimately, its destruction. Compare the true definition of these virtues with what you believe and live by: COURAGE: The willingness to deny my own flesh and do what is noble, regardless the cost. LOYALTY: The quality of being loyal and devoted. DILIGENCE: Doing exactly as instructed, and doing it until it is finished. MODESTY: Self respect, and self control, with a conviction that there are correct limits upon one’s life. FRUGALITY: Everything you own has a purpose and place in your life. HONESTY: In regards to communication is telling the truth. In regards to possessions is right action with regard to things. MEEKNESS: The ability to control power. REVERENCE: Showing proper respect and awe toward that which is worthy. GRATITUDE: Actions proving our appreciation and contentment with what has been done for us. With any biblical question that pricks our hearts, we will add to our faith virtue if we apply these definitions instead of what we think. If any area of our lives lacks virtue, we are heading for a fall. The Apostle Peter concludes his dissertation in 2 Peter 1:10, with; "...for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." With every flood of deception poured out by the enemy, there is a greater standard of truth, and virtue, that has been raised up by Jesus Christ our Lord. Add to your faith these standards of virtue. It might seem as if you are standing alone, but realize one thing: you are standing. -Kurt Thurston October Newsletter 1998 | Flesh & Holiness | Corrective Lenses | Pastor's Journal October 1997 Prophecy by Rev. Earl Roundtree | The Need for Virtues | A People of Understanding part 3 of 4 Revised: May 11, 2010. |
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