“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
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul said we should meditate on examples of virtue.
“Virtue” seems like such an out-of-date word. We don’t use it much anymore in our everyday conversations.
The word for “virtue” is the Greek word arete, meaning “moral excellence.”
Virtue is the opposite of vice.
The virtuous person is known for humility rather than pride…
generosity rather than greed…
purity rather than lust…
patience rather than anger…
diligence rather than laziness.
We might look at the virtuous life as one characterized by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Today I’m thinking about faithfulness.
Faithfulness Is a Virtue
Princeton law professor Robert P. George proposed declaring the month of June to be Fidelity Month, where we recommit to being faithful to God, to our families, to our communities, and to our country.
So, this month, in an effort to meditate on the virtue I see (rather than fixating on the vices all around me), I’m shining the spotlight on faithful people.
Faithfulness to God
It’s easy to be faithful to God when life is going well…when the sun is shining, birds are singing, wedding bells are ringing…when the kids come home with good report cards, the bills are paid on time, and no one in the family is sick.
But what about when tragedy strikes?
I know a family who suffered unexpected, undeserved tragedy. One of their family members suffered a violet death at the hands of a criminal. Rather than clenching their fists and railing against God, they held on tight to His holy hands and allowed Him to lift them up.
You can probably think of people you know who hold on to their faith in hard circumstances.
We can find example of faithfulness when we look at Christians in other countries who face persecution.
Faraj, a Christian in Iran, was arrested for placing Bibles on empty bus seats. Guards knocked out his teeth and broke his back.
Kitessa, an Ethiopian church leader, was warned he would be killed if he didn’t stop preaching the gospel. Still, he remained faithful to God, and one day armed militants gunned him down after a Sunday service.
Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high level persecution.
Last year 4,476 Christians were murdered for their beliefs.
Persecution is increasing in Nigeria, India, and China.
It’s humbling to think about fellow brothers and sisters who are faithful to God despite intense sorrow or persecution.
I often wonder if I’d have that same courage if I were in the same dangerous or desperate situation. My natural inclination would be to preserve my earthly life at all costs.
But I’m inspired by these individuals who exemplify virtue…those who choose courage instead of cowardice and hope instead of hatred.
And I hope, if I were in similar circumstances, I would refuse to become resentful and instead choose to rely on God.
Images courtesy of Brennan Martinez and Lampos Antonang on Unsplash.