Reflecting on Virtue as a Differentiating Value

This Christmas season, I thought it would be timely and relevant  to reflect on the differentiating value of Virtue. The following is a Values Quotes post I made a few years ago on this important topic.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

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Today’s quote is from John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States.

A powerful quote from Adams is:
“In what light soever we regard the Bible, whether with reference to revelation, to history, or to morality, it is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue.”

What a great statement to make about the value of virtue.

As a differentiating value, Virtue means an admirable quality; doing what is right; pure; or moral excellence.

Here I think of Benjamin Franklin and his 13 virtues that he attempted to live by every day – though he admits to failing regularly.

Or I think of William Bennett’s The Book of Virtues with hundreds of stories to help children understand and develop good character. This is a wonderful book we explored with our kids.

But Adams points to an even greater source to learn about virtue: the Bible.

Now, regardless of what you might think about the Bible, if you want to learn about responsibility, courage, honesty, respect, humility, faith, or wisdom, the Bible contains them all.

For instance, you may know about the confidence in God that Moses demonstrated with the parting of the Red Sea so that the Israelites could escape the Egyptians who were pursing them.

You also likely know about the courage of David standing up to Goliath, and defeating this huge giant.

Then there’s the love that God showed the whole world when he sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to bear the burden of sin of all mankind and offer eternal life. That’s a whole lot of love!

So if you want to grow in virtue, the Bible is a great place to start.

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