Values Vs Virtues

I read with interest a new perspective on life and death. We think we are among the living on earth and will join the dead in heaven (we hope!). How about this? We are among the dying on earth and will join the living in heaven! Wow, how true! The minute we are born, we are slowly dying ... and when we die, we "live" (provided we are believers) forever in heaven.

So, what can we do to make sure we get to live when we die? We need to examine our great example - Jesus. Why? Well, He got there didn't he? And He still is there, no? I extract some ideas from the Discovery Series Kingdom Living by Joe Stowell.

We need to live like Christ and that is a tough act to follow. But we can try and I am sure God will appreciate our efforts. But first, let us examine our values and see why it is better to develop and sharpen our virtues. What are values? And why virtues and not values that we want to have?

First, I looked up the definition of both the words:

Values can be defined as broad preferences concerning appropriate courses of action or outcomes. As such, values reflect a person’s sense of right and wrong or what “ought” to be.

Virtue (Latin: virtus, Greek: ἀρετή "arete") is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or quality deemed to be morally excellent and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being.

My understanding is that values are subjective - a personal opinion of what is right or wrong. So what is a value to you, may not be so for me. It is also an intengible thing. A virtue on the other hand is a trait - something that shows - and these are God's moral authority in our lives.

Joe Stowell talks about Kingdom Living - to live like Christ. So, what are the virtues we should have and exhibit? Stowell cites at least 7 kingdom virtues reflected in Christ's life. They are:

1. TRUTH vs Tolerance

2. GRACE vs Greed

3. LOVE vs Self Centeredness

4. SERVANTHOOD vs Significance

5. SELF_CONTROL vs Sensualism

6. JUSTICE vs Oppression

7. HUMILITY vs Haughtiness

Wow! Just looking at the seven, I think for me, Servanthood appears to be the most difficult to embrace and exhibit.

Do ponder on these, and I will be back to examine each virtue in my future blogs.

God bless us as we walk towards His Kingdom and may we be able to strive towards Kingdom Living here on earth and reflect Kingdom Virtues as we head towards God's Kingdom.

God bless.