It seems like there’s a massive vacancy in the lives of many people today. But...what is missing, exactly? The answer, I’d argue, is virtue.
Vices are running rampant. The sins of pride, greed, and lust aptly describe our times, and in many ways, they’re built into our culture. So, what should be our response when the system itself seems to be rigged the wrong way? Virtue, or virtues. It’s the only suitable response.
Too often, virtue is chalked up as simply ‘being good,’ but this idea is an oversimplification of what is represented by the virtues themselves.
Before we can truly be virtuous, we must understand what we’re even talking about. What are the virtues? Which ones should we emphasize in our own lives? How do we practice them? How do we grow in them?
And, all of this is not something that we tackle in one afternoon. It’s an ongoing pursuit of learning, practicing, and habitualizing.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
I believe many of us are afraid to look and act differently from others in our world so it is easier to go with the flow. However, if we just take a chance at a virtuous day we will feel the difference and it feels great when we experience it. The key is not just to live it for one day. This is not always easy but it does get easier and more fulfilling.