Chapter Two
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CHAPTER TWO
LIVING A VIRTUOUS LIFE
In this chapter we will be studying the second principle which is virtue. Virtue is defined as, conformity of one’s life and conduct to moral and ethical principles, uprightness or moral excellence, goodness, righteousness. In other words it is the manifestation of moral excellence in a person, or an admirable quality in a person. So, as Christians, Christ Jesus is the one we are to look up to because he is the author and the finisher of our faith. In all that the scripture says about him he was full of goodness, righteousness, kindness, holiness and excellence.
These are the qualities every believer in Christ needs in order to manifest his/her calling in Christ Jesus. Being a virtuous man/woman what you need to do is providing for the poor, giving food to the hungry, helping the needy, visiting the sick, praying for all people. These virtues are needed as obligations in your daily life.
There was a testimony of a man who was told by Jesus that he will visit his house by 3 pm. So, he did all preparations and arranged everything, and at exactly 3 pm an old dirty beggar knocked on his door and he opened the door. When he saw the old man he was upset, he then shouted at him, get out, I’m expecting a big visitor. The old man then said I have not eaten for two days, help me with just little food, but he said, get out, and the old man left. Meanwhile, time kept on passing by up to 10pm, he then got angry and slept, so the next morning he then asked Jesus, why did you deceive me? Jesus said I came at 3pm, but you sent me away. I was the old beggar. On hearing this, he cried, but to no avail. And that was how he missed his blessings. You also might have done same to people around you. Note that Jesus may not come physically to you, but through the people around you. In your place of work can they testify that you are good and God fearing man/woman? Are you faithful to the government or the organization you are working for? Job was a man like you, but God himself said he was a just man, upright, there was none like him in his generation on the face of the earth. Can God say you are upright today? Virtuous life has been demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ as shown in the following scriptures:
(Mark 5:30)
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? (KJV);
(Luke 6:19)
19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. (KJV);
(Luke 8:46-47)
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. (KJV);
All these instances show us how Jesus went about doing good to people. Note that any good thing you do to someone will be accounted as a virtue you have done. Why can’t you start today help someone in need for Paul says:
(Phil 4:8-9)
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (KJV);
(2 Peter 1:3)
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (KJV);
(2 Peter 1:5-6)
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (KJV);
Be informed this day that no matter, whatever and however youdo, if you don’t posses good virtue, all your service to the Lord will be in vain. Here is a story of a driver; he once helped a young man who does not have money to pay for his transport. Some years later the driver, was on his way and was attacked by robbers, luckily for the driver the young man he once helped was among the robbers. And on seeing him, the young man said to the driver, you are a good man, I was the one you once helped, so for that reason we will not take anything from you, go. This testimony shows that if you are virtues in all your ways, you will not know where or when you will be saved for your good doings. One principle of life is that whenever you do good, it will follow you in future; if you don’t enjoy it your children will. One of the greatest of all commandments is love, so if you love God do good to people around you.
There was another story of a brother who was sick, he went to all the clinics but they were on strike. However on reaching one of the clinics one of the nurses saw him and said, it is like I know you. Your father is a very good man; so I’m taking the risk, I will go in and treat you at all cost. Do you see how goodness follows, even to your children.Do something now to your community and you will be remembered forever.
Here is another story of a retired soldier. During his years of service he was opportune to use his office to help as many young men and women into the army as possible. He confessed that when he retired he was not touching his pension, because before the end of every month gifts from all areas keep coming in, the people he helped are these taking care of his need in his old age. Why can’t you also pick this as a challenge today? Help people, change someone’s life, do something for your community, state, country and the Church, at this you are building the body of Christ. I pray for grace for you to do something that will make possible impact in someone’s life. Amen
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