I think you should get rich…
But probably not in the way that you think!
In yesterday’s devotional, we explored the idea of “interior wealth.” This has to do with who we are on the inside. It has to do with character and faith—things that can’t be stolen or pickpocketed by others.
In a sermon from about 1500 years ago, Gregory the Great said: “The only real riches are those that make us rich in virtues.”
When the stock market crashes or when your bank account goes south, virtue will not have depreciated in value.
Let’s be honest. “Virtue” isn’t a word we hear much anymore. It’s gone out of style. And yet, it appears in the Bible in a very positive light. In 1 Peter 2:9 we are encouraged to proclaim the virtues of God. In 2 Peter 1:5 it says to “supplement your faith with virtue.” And in Philippians 4:8 we are told to spend time thinking about whatever is virtuous.*
The bottom line is that virtue is good. We should strive to attain it—not to think we’re better than others (an idea which doesn’t sound very virtuous!), but because we want our lives to increasingly exude the fragrance of Jesus.
Many of us have had an Xray at some point in our lives. What if we had an Xray of our inner being? Would there be some junk in there? Sure. Thankfully, we worship a forgiving God! At the same time, and with God’s gracious help, we are seeking to fill our selves with virtue.
-Who am I when no one is looking?
-What do I value in the moments of silence?
Generally speaking, hoarding isn’t a good idea—except when it comes to virtue.
“The only real riches are those that make us rich in virtues.”
Notes:
-*The Greek word that appears in these three verses is arete, translated as “virtue” or “moral excellence.”
-Bible quotes, ESV.
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