Do you remember when the Korean auto-maker Hyundai began importing cars to the United States back in the 1990s? Maybe you or someone you know owned a Hyundai back then. They were a very affordable car, but had a terrible reputation for their quality control.
But in 1999, and executive by the name of Chung Mong Koo became the Chairman of Hyundai and brought an entirely new culture to the dying company. His obsession with quality control caused him to implement measures that forced the production of better cars. As a result, Hyundai is now one of the fastest growing car makers in the world.
Quality control plays a major role in every area of our lives, even our faith. Second Peter chapter 1 speaks to an aspect of our lives that we often forget. In verses 3 through 5, Peter uses the word ‘virtue’ and mentions that it’s something that should be added to our faith.
But what really is virtue? Some more modern translations of scripture use the words ‘morale excellence’ or ‘goodness’ as a substitute for virtue. Virtue speaks to the quality of a person’s life; a life of integrity, goodness, graciousness and one that is above reproach…it’s the quality control aspect of our faith.
As Peter stated in verse five, God desires that we add virtue to our faith. In other words, our lives should be a reflection of what we say we believe. Have you ever met a person whose life is out of alignment of what they claim to be or believe? It’s disheartening to say the least.
Peter is not advocating perfection, but rather reminding us of the need to be intentional with ensuring that we live lives of virtue. Verse 5 states “…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue…” We must make every effort to make virtue the quality control feature of our faith.
Why such strong encouragement to be virtuous? Simply because it pleases God. Did you ever notice how Jesus had such a desire to do the will of the Father? In John chapter 5, Jesus stated “I can do nothing on my own. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”
Not only do we see Jesus pleasing the Father, but also the Father’s response to Jesus. Immediately after Jesus was baptized, we see the Father’s affirmation in Matthew chapter 3: “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
Even the Apostle Paul wrote this reminder to the saints in Second Corinthians chapter 5, “Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.” I think that really sums it all up…it’s our aim to please God, and being a person of virtue is key to that endeavor.
So, here’s the challenge…that we commit to being virtuous people. Being a person of virtue begins with being a person of faith. Remember, Peter wrote “add to your faith virtue”…true virtue can only stand on the foundation of faith.
What needs to change in your life that moves you to the category of being a person of virtue? Have you made a commitment to faith in God? What areas of ‘quality control’ needs improvement in your life? Just remember, God has already given you everything you need to be who He called you to be.
Be safe, stay healthy, and be blessed!