A dark tide is insidiously swelling into the lives of everyone living in the United States. Whether you watch the news or not, tens of thousands of us are being directly impacted by incarceration, job loss, character assassination, twisted uses of due process, escalating costs of living, rising mental health concerns, and political violence. This darkness is undermining our strongest attributes for which we have historically stood. Attributes like truth, fairness, justice, mercy, generosity, compassion, and the promise of hope. A government-wide action against diversity, equality, and inclusion is in full swing-- trying to purge "DEI" from schools, universities, libraries, and all government offices. And, "Christianity" has parted company with itself, leaving the ones with the loudest microphones dictating what people think of Christianity. (PS: it is not white Nationalism.)
I listened to a short video today about preaching. In it, Carey Nieuwhof talked about one attribute of a good sermon is ensuring that the essential focus is always on Jesus (not the text or side stories). I believe virtuous living is grounded solidly in how we see Jesus living his life through the Gospels. There are many virtues well worth wrapping your life around. They aren't necessarily spelled out specifically in Jesus' sermons, parables, or actions, but they are there. Importantly, they are NOT intended as whipping posts to judge "good" from "bad."
All virtues together weave a beautiful tapestry of nurturing community life. If they're used to divide and conquer the people we don't like, they quickly slip into the realm of vices. When they are abandoned for vices, society suffers. We're suffering because rudeness is replacing kindness. Hate of fellow human beings is replacing love. Greed is replacing generosity. Bragadocia is replacing humility. Fear is replacing compassion. The list goes on.
It is incumbent upon the Church and people claiming the faith of true "Jesus-hood" to incorporate virtues into our daily walks with Jesus. Study the virtues and vices. Incorporate them into your prayer and devotional life. Practice them in public, at home, and on social media. Raise the question with yourself regularly, "How did I do with living by virtue today?"
I strongly recommend Grace Hamman's book: Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life
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