Week 4: Values vs Virtues
Let’s refresh what we know about George Washington. He was not very well educated. He attended school for about 5 years. Those who knew him described him as not affectionate or charismatic. He was a great leader of the Revolution and our country’s first President. By all accounts, he was an admirable man. So why am I bringing him up? Well, the truth-makers of the world today have labeled George Washington as not honorable. They focus more on his faults, like the owning of slaves than the way he led our country to its very beginning. Now, we all know that slavery is wrong and how that ended up but why are we measuring this man by our knowledge today? If we did that, every major figure from history is going to need to be “canceled”.
The world wants to discount the always-truthful virtues we know we should try to obtain. They do that by taking people who are, or were, great examples of these virtues and tarnish them. The world would rather focus on every person’s personal values. One definition of value is, “one’s judgment of what is important in life”.
To have values isn’t a bad thing. But what happens when what I think matters most as a value conflicts with what you think matters most? Who is right? Who is wrong? Who comes out on top? Someone could think that the most important thing in life is to have the nicest car and house. Someone else could think that it matters the most to live as modestly as possible. Or have the most followers on social media. Or get rid of social media altogether.
Anything could be considered a value. But that’s the way of the world. You get to decide what’s most important to you and nothing else matters. We know that God gave us the ability to choose, to act for ourselves but He also told us how we’re expected to act. He has told us throughout the written word what things are important.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1-2
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38
“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.” – Philippians 4:8
Scriptures to Study: James 5:12, Colossians 3:12-13, Ephesians 4:2, 2 Peter 1:5
Journal Questions:
- What is something you consider a value of yours?
- Do your personal values align with Godly virtues?