The Virtuous Believer

2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge

After trusting Jesus Christ as our savior, He desires that we grow. Within 2 Peter 1:5-7, we are given guidelines as to what is needed to assist our faith. Virtue is the first godly quality that Peter encourages us to supply to our faith is Christ. Virtue is a quiet subject in the church and even the bible talks about it only a few times. But, Peter uses it as the first character quality that we need in order for our faith to grow.

In order to have a deeper and more vital walk with Christ, we need to go above and beyond simple faith. It only takes a mustard seed of faith to become a Christian, but it is trust and faith that Christ wants to strengthen as we walk with Him. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him”, (Hebrews 11:6a, NKJV). We see here that God cannot be pleased without faith. God is delighted and thrilled when we trust Him in a walk of faith.

Virtue is a sign of moral excellence and purity. Someone who desires to display virtue seeks to go above and beyond normal. This is someone who is not satisfied with status quo. This is someone who is willing to step out of their comfort zone. When we seek purity in our walk with God, we find that our total life needs to be consumed with God and His word. Others need to see that faith and God’s word is working in our life, so we need a higher standard to live by. As salt of the earth, we need to be the spice that helps others desire Christ.

Our focus needs to be on the Lord and His ways, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”, (Philippians(4:8),NKJV). Notice, it is a virtuous thing to think on these things. This will not be easy. Many times we will not feel like doing these things and sometimes we may not even want to. Just tell the Lord your thoughts and ask Him for His strength to overcome. Thank Him, in faith, before things even happen that He has already answered your prayers. Then watch Him answer.

A person walking virtuously and in purity is someone that everyone desires to be around. This is why Solomon says, “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies”, (Proverbs 31:10, NKJV). All who have a virtuous spouse know that no amount of money could buy this.

Thought, comments, objections, prayer requests.



Daniel A. Smith