We are called to be an example in our society, to guide
others in the way of the Lord, although the virtue of society has gone out the
window. We are meant to live by example in everything we do.
Christ like character includes being honest, loving everyone
(even those who are hard to love), being kind and having self-control, to name a
few. Here are 10 Christian virtues we need to revive if we are to thrive and
lead by example.
1. Love - We all have different opinions on things and
different views, but we have to love each other regardless. This includes
people from all walks of life, no matter what their skin color is or what
situation they are in. People desperately need to see the love of Christ
shining through us.
1 Corinthians
13:13 says, And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest
of these is love.
2. Honesty - We have to return to honesty. Nothing ever good
comes of lying and people still do it. We need to take the high road and be
honest in everything we say and do.
Proverbs 11:3
says, The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are
destroyed by their duplicity.
3. Sexual Morality -The most loving act between a husband
and wife has been degraded to just a ‘feeling’. Sexual immorality has destroyed
Christians and non-Christians alike and it is heartbreaking. It destroys people
mentally, and emotionally. Purity and its benefits need to be revived again in
our society.
1 Corinthians
6-18-20 says, Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are
outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do
you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,who is in you, who
you received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a
price.Therefore honor God with your bodies.
4. Trust - There is a great lack of trust in society today
in many areas. As Christians, it is important to cultivate a community of trust
amongst our friends, believers and nonbelievers alike. We need to know that we
can trust one another with our problems, secrets and concerns. Non-believers need
to know they can trust us with their problems and issues as well, to know they
will not be ridiculed or judged.
Titus 2:7 says, In
everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show
integrity, seriousness.
5. Kindness - In the era of the world wide web, social
media, and the way we live today, kindness is hard to find. It is more common
to digest the negative rather than the positive. No matter how hard the
situation, we need to act in kindness. We need our brothers and sisters to be
able to count on it and non-believers to know where they can find it.
Galatians 6:10
says, Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially those who belong to the family of believers...
6. Faith - It is hard to keep the faith in difficult
situations. It is hard not to lean on your own thoughts and feelings at times.
But we always must remember that the Lord knows what is best and will help us
avoid any snares on the path we are on. We must always put our faith in Him
when it comes to the path He puts us on.
Proverbs 3:5-6
says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your
paths.
7. Hope- It is hard to find hope in the times we live, there
is always something terrible going on somewhere. We need to restore our hope
through prayer that even the smallest things will get better and to constantly
read and trust in His Word too.
Romans 12:12 says,
Be joyful in hope, be patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
8. Charity - We live in a very self-centered society. I think it is important that we bring back
charity in the sense of having concern for others. Everyone thinks of charity
as the donation they give at Christmas time. But charity is so much more than
that. It’s cleaning out your closet and donating it to a free clothing
giveaway. It’s making a meal for a family during a hard time. It is lending a
listening ear to someone’s troubles or encouraging and speaking life over
someone in a way they have never heard before. Charity is more than just a
monetary donation, it is a way of life.
Hebrews 13:16
says, And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such
sacrifices God is pleased
9. Responsibility - In this sense, we are all responsible
for our actions. When consequences are rendered, we need to take
responsibility. We need to set the example. We need to show people that we are
not perfect and that we make mistakes too.
Galatians 6:5 says
For each one shall carry his own load.
10. Compassion - Believers need to teach our society
compassion. There are many people who have fallen on hard times and many more
to come. It breaks my heart when people lash out with statements like “Oh, he
must be out on the street because he’s on drugs.” or “She must be on the street
because she is an alcoholic.” Yes, sometimes this is true, but not always.
Sometimes people lose their jobs or their homes. Sometimes people suffer from
mental illness and can’t function in life due to either not being on medication
or not being on the right balance of medications. Our society is so quick to
judge one another. We as Christians need to set the example and have compassion
for all people.
Galatians 6:2
says, Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of
Christ.
Written by Carrie Lowrance
Carrie Lowrance is a freelance writer and author. She has
been featured on Huffington Post, She Is Fierce, Parachute and The Frugal
Farmer. She has also published two books of poetry and one children’s book, and
she writes her own personal finance blog at www.freelancebylowrance.com.
