ORNAMENTAL VIRTUES - PART 1

MONDAY 08 MAY 2023

Ornamental virtues are ageless virtues that reinforce and intensify our faith in the Lord. They are precious and nifty but beyond that, their values in utilitarian sense are graceful and dignified. So they are quite advantageous to forming the Christian character. Moreover, we must understand that we are not dressing our Christian faith with foreign or worldly materials; ornamental virtues are from God and they are morally instrumental in empowering us to express the substance of our faith and its potency in a character wise language which anyone can understand. More below!

Reference: 2 Peter 1:5 King James Version (KJV) "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue..."

According to the above Scripture, giving all diligence suggests: With persistent interest and concentrated zeal and effort. In other words, add virtue to your faith with conscientiousness and be dedicated or committed to that purpose, so you can operate in them in a progressive and consistent manner.

There is a specific Scripture that inspires me when it comes to earnest adornment or ornamentation of our faith, and that is: Philippians 4:8 (KJV), which reads, "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."

The keyword in Philippians 4:8 is "If there be any virtue." In other words, Paul the apostle wants you to be curious about acquiring the complete knowledge. So it's your responsibility to make a research and see if there is any virtue at all. If so, discover and garner sufficient enlightenment on virtue. Admittedly, I had a breakthrough in my minor research and thus, I'm aware of ornamental virtues which are of pivotal significance in relation to our Christian faith.

Why did I say Christian faith? This is because our referenced Scripture specifically noted, "add to your faith - virtue." And its quite specific about adding virtue to our faith, not to our doubt, our troubles, our challenges, our finances or anything else. Got it?

So the main purpose is to decorate our faith with splendid virtues and once those virtues supplement our faith and are activated in us, they will abound and keep us far from being barren or unfruitful in exercising our faith in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now watch this: I understand that the Word specifically says: Add to your faith - virtue (not virtues), which points to a singular "value" or a definite mode of nobility, decency or rectitude, but analytical thinking and remarkable mentality will prompt or advise you on the inside that the addition of more virtues will magnify the effectiveness of your faith or advance its efficacy.

Simply put, there is no such a thing as overdose of virtue while completing your faith. Therefore, the vastness of multifarious virtues I've listed below are of paramount importance which means that they are of notable influence.

They inspire great conduct through us, leading to strong "impactful" end results. Put simply, when added to our faith, they allot a major impact and immense effect to our Christian journey. So they are exceptionally good and are as follows:

1. Self-discipline, 2. Sobriety, 3. Order, 4. Firm Resolution, 5. Prudence, 6. Perseverance, 7. Sincerity, 8. Justice, 9. Moderation, 10. Cleanliness, 11. Tranquillity, 12. Chastity, 13. Humility, 14. Godliness, 15. Excellence, 16. Gratitude, 17. Generosity, 18. Fortitude, 19. Tenacity, 20. Patience, 21. Forgiveness, 22. Compassion, 23. Decorum.

Gaining the practical knowledge of these virtues can be fostered by a constant desire for them, bearing in mind that they are sustainable values that embody morality. Although they differ in expression and dimension, they are not entirely so in meaning; they all symbolize ornamental virtues, which act as auxiliary fuel to faith.

As we walk by faith, we begin to understand and function according to our divine nature which has been implanted in our spirit - through the work of regeneration, in regard to our new life in Christ. But as we continually engage with the person and influence of the Spirit, the grace of the Spirit will rapidly multiply and inspire us to apply these virtues to our faith. Stay tuned for part 2. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Luke 8:46; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; Galatians 5:22.

Exuberant Declaration: My faith is active and I sustain an ultimate supply of truth, goodness and beauty derived from the Word of God. Hence, I demonstrate my gratitude to God in regard to the supernatural system on which my faith relies. Hallelujah!