VIRTUE: The Forgotten Compass
VIRTUE
(n.)
behavior showing high moral standards.
A strong commitment to acting ethically and consistently upholding values like courage, honesty, integrity, respect, and compassion, even when it's difficult.
The way forward is filled with choices.
A constant, quiet battle between good and evil.
When the world offers shortcuts,
Virtue chooses the path least trodden.
The decisions we make
Are the path we take.
It is no mistake,
For a life enamored is a life of setting the standard.
Be virtuous.
For virtue is your compass forward.
Most people lead their lives looking for fulfillment with WHAT they do and HOW they do it.
Living a life worth living begins with filling our life with intention.
WHY.
Why do you desire change?
Why do you desire success?
Why do you believe you’re deserving?
If you find your intentions aren’t aligned with your WHY,
Begin with Virtue.
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
— Nietzsche
Virtue is that “why.”
Colossians 3:5-6
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
Idolatry
(n.)
The worship of idols.
Sin is not limited to lust or indulgence.
It is the quiet exaltation of false gods,
The elevation of created things above the Creator.
In modern times this can equate to:
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I. Living outside of your means,
This isn’t creation, this isn’t wealth, this is financial bondage.
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II. Comparing and not recognizing your divine flame,
This is walking blindly without humility.
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III. Identifying your worth to your output,
Validation is not pursuit of truth.
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Idolatry is subtle.
It can look like ambition.
It can feel like progress.
But it is the intent that makes us un-whole.
Return to stillness.
Return to virtue.
Return to what’s real.
This is now a call to arms,
Stop living passively,
Start living with intentionality.
Pursue your legacy.
I. Stay the Course: At the Helm of Self
We’re all human, it’s perfectly okay to pursue power, pleasure, or prosperity. These desires / outcomes are ambitions and a part of our genetic make-up. We are all here for a purpose, a purpose that is of our own decision.
Continuously working out that equation of our own understanding. Like ship captains from an era not too long ago. An era prior to the indoctrination of the modern GPS. Navigation was no easy feat.
Think of yourself as the “Captain of your ship, the Master of your fate, the Captain of your soul.” (Not sure who originally wrote this, saw it on my Fathers desk once and it stuck with me, Google has various sources).
I am the Captain…
It is your responsibility to maneuver your ship through treacherous water, perilous weather, and protect your crew and cargo. We are in this for the long haul, for adventure, for glory.
You must be able to resist temptations, remain vigilant for instances that require all hands on deck, and ready the sails when the winds rise.
This ability, we speak of is called awareness. Are you aware of your actions? Do you listen to your intuition, your gut, the little angel, or devil on your shoulder?
No Captain is fit for the journey without a compass, for without it they will sail around aimlessly.
So is true with virtue.
Don’t allow worldly desires to consume you. Also known as sins of the flesh. For this is the sure way to plot a course to the creation of your own hell.
It may not be an instantaneous “fall.” Yet, as the captain of your ship, would you not notice or take heed to the storms on the horizon?
Should you live life any differently?
II. Establish a Solid Foundation
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To Be Continued.
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BE GOOD. LIVE ABUNDANTLY.
Dürer, Albrecht. St. Jerome in His Study. 1514, engraving.