Virtue vs. Vice: A Christian’s Call to Moral Excellence
“…For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2Pe. 1:5-10).
The apostle Peter spoke those words to encourage believers to grow in their spiritual maturity and affirm their calling in Christ. Written in his later years, this letter sought to strengthen the faith of Christians facing false teachings and persecution. All scripture is valuable and “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (3Ti. 3:16), but some passages are particularly relevant for our journey of salvation. Our selection for today is one of those—a gem almost hidden among other shinier ones like John 3:16. I say that because of the last phrase of the last verse: "for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall.” Clearly, we would like to know more about what those qualities are, so over the next few days, we will examine them.
The world understands virtue as adherence to societal norms of morality or the possession of qualities like honesty, courage, and generosity. While these align partially with the Christian understanding, they lack the deeper foundation of God’s will and purpose. Unlike worldly virtue, which is shaped by fluid cultural, regional, or individual standards, Christian virtue is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and His Word: Jam. 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” It is not merely about being “good” by human standards but about embodying Christ’s righteousness through our thoughts, actions, and relationships
One of the most significant differences between Christian and worldly virtue is that the former aims to glorify God instead of seeking self-promotion or societal acceptance. Virtue strengthens Christians by aligning their lives with God’s will. It serves as a moral compass in a world where values shift as effortlessly as ocean tides. It acts as a stabilizing force that protects us from temptation and sin while promoting spiritual growth and maturity. Cultivating virtue fosters resilience to endure trials and persecutions and reinforces our commitment to making decisions that honor God over ourselves. Ultimately, virtue can be defined as moral excellence, and embodying it in our daily lives deepens our relationship with God. Furthermore, it prepares us for more effective service in God’s Kingdom.
A life of moral integrity inspires trust and confidence in others, enabling believers to minister effectively and share the gospel. It fosters a clear conscience, freeing us from the burdens of guilt and shame, and allows us to stand boldly as witnesses of Christ in a fallen world. A life marked by virtue is impossible to ignore. Christian virtue compels the world to take notice, drawing attention to the transformative power of a Christ-centered life. A virtuous life exemplifies Mat. 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
The opposite of virtue is vice, a term that encompasses moral failure, corruption, and sinful behavior. Vice represents the indulgence of desires that oppose God’s will, leading to spiritual decay and separation from Him. Gal. 5:19-21 illustrate a non-virtuous life, with the final phrase perfectly describing the dangers: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Virtue, then, is a cornerstone of Christian character. Rooted in God’s nature, it strengthens believers, sets them apart in the world, and reflects Christ's transformative power. Pursuing virtue is essential for spiritual growth and effective witness. In striving for virtue, we fulfill our purpose as God’s people, glorifying Him and drawing others to His saving grace. When people look at you, do they see a virtuous person who honors God, or do they perceive someone exhibiting vices that honor Satan?