Vitual Virtures
Sometime ago,
I wrote an article in which I pointed out C. S. Lewis has a chapter on the
seven virtues in his book Mere
Christianity. The three “theological” virtues (faith, hope, and love) are
Christian virtues and the four “cardinal” virtues (prudence, temperance,
justice, and fortitude) are those all civilized people recognize (see A Piece of My Mind #65, “The Cardinal
Virtues,” 10/31/04,
www.insightsfromtheword.com). After decades of studying the New Testament, it
recently occurred to me there are three other virtues I have tried to develop
in my life. I call them the “vital virtues.” One meaning of the English word
“vital” is “necessary to the continuation of life.” These virtues are necessary
for a growing spiritual life.
A Grateful Attitude At a critical point in describing virtues, Paul adds, “Be thankful” (Col. 3:15). He also says, “In everything, give thanks” because that is the will of God for you (1 Thess. 5:18). God puts a premium of being grateful, perhaps because as Cicero points out, “A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.” Paul says people have a chance to know God through creation, but they do not respond to Him, neither are they thankful (Rom. 1:20-21). Shakespeare wrote, “I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, or any taint of vice.”
Joyful Outlook At significant junctions in their writings, James, Peter, and Paul speak about handling the trials of life, which include the inconveniences, irritations, and interruptions. Each one says the same thing, “count it a joy” (Jas. 1:2, 1 Pet. 1:6, Rom. 5:3). The Greek word rendered “glory” in Rom. 5:3 is the same one translated “rejoice” in Rom. 5:2). They are not saying that the trials, troubles, and tribulations are enjoyable. Peter says they are so painful; they cause grief (1 Pet. 1:6). The Apostles are teaching believers can rejoice, realizing difficulties are opportunities to grow. For example, tribulation produces perseverance (Rom. 5:3) and ultimately character (Rom. 5:4).
Servant’s Mindset At a strategic place in his Gospel, Mark says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45). Paul points out that although Jesus was equal with God, He became a servant (Phil. 2:6-7). Paul exhorts us to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5). The servant’s mindset is not to be loved, but to love, not to be served, but to serve.
These three virtues relate to God (a grateful heart), ourselves (a joyful outlook), and others (a servant’s mindset). They are vital because dealing with life means dealing with relationships and problems.
These “vital virtues” need to be deliberately practiced until they become habits that are second nature. When they become second nature, they are our virtues. That is what I want to add to my life. How about you?
© G. Michael Cocoris, 5/31/2007
A Grateful Attitude At a critical point in describing virtues, Paul adds, “Be thankful” (Col. 3:15). He also says, “In everything, give thanks” because that is the will of God for you (1 Thess. 5:18). God puts a premium of being grateful, perhaps because as Cicero points out, “A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.” Paul says people have a chance to know God through creation, but they do not respond to Him, neither are they thankful (Rom. 1:20-21). Shakespeare wrote, “I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, or any taint of vice.”
Joyful Outlook At significant junctions in their writings, James, Peter, and Paul speak about handling the trials of life, which include the inconveniences, irritations, and interruptions. Each one says the same thing, “count it a joy” (Jas. 1:2, 1 Pet. 1:6, Rom. 5:3). The Greek word rendered “glory” in Rom. 5:3 is the same one translated “rejoice” in Rom. 5:2). They are not saying that the trials, troubles, and tribulations are enjoyable. Peter says they are so painful; they cause grief (1 Pet. 1:6). The Apostles are teaching believers can rejoice, realizing difficulties are opportunities to grow. For example, tribulation produces perseverance (Rom. 5:3) and ultimately character (Rom. 5:4).
Servant’s Mindset At a strategic place in his Gospel, Mark says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45). Paul points out that although Jesus was equal with God, He became a servant (Phil. 2:6-7). Paul exhorts us to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5). The servant’s mindset is not to be loved, but to love, not to be served, but to serve.
These three virtues relate to God (a grateful heart), ourselves (a joyful outlook), and others (a servant’s mindset). They are vital because dealing with life means dealing with relationships and problems.
These “vital virtues” need to be deliberately practiced until they become habits that are second nature. When they become second nature, they are our virtues. That is what I want to add to my life. How about you?
© G. Michael Cocoris, 5/31/2007