Greg Chandler
03/09/16
What does it mean to be a man? For centuries, cultures have sought to answer this very question, with some instigating rites of passage that signal the transition from boyhood. In modern American culture, where no set rite exists, boys often struggle to understand manliness and thus languish well into their adult years with immature traits. While this is sad, it simply cannot be the case when it comes to spiritual matters.
As Peter extols the great blessing of being partakers of the divine nature (II Peter 1:4) and makes clear that faith is the necessary foundation for this blessing, he proceeds in listing a series of qualities necessary to become like the divine God. Virtue begins the list. Virtue, which is sometimes translated goodness, is often defined as “moral excellence.” This simple definition well sums up the outlook one must have in life in seeking to be holy as God is holy. Interestingly, the same word translated virtue shares a common heritage with the original Greek word for man; this is not in the sense of being male, but rather the type of “manliness” associated with valor. Thus, when Peter admonishes virtue in life, he is stating that the partaker must display the manly valor of moral excellence in all that is undertaken.
Peter’s use of virtue should come as no surprise since, earlier in the text, he described Jesus by using the same term: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence (virtue)” II Peter 1:3. Peter, therefore, has established Jesus as the standard to which one strives to attain; He displayed the “manly excellence” necessary to overcome and live a life free from the stain of sin. He displayed valor in His willingness to stand against the temptations of Satan, even though this led to His own personal hurt.
With Christ as the standard, partakers stand up to the challenges and temptations of life. Like Peter, Paul offered similar admonitions to help in accomplishing this goal. In writing to the Corinthians, he stated, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13). This type of valor is necessary in withstanding the temptations of the evil one; thus, when the “roaring lion” attacks, he is resisted (I Peter 5:8). One does not run in fear, but instead holds the ground of battle, refusing to retreat. With such a display of valor, it is the devil that retreats (James 4:7).
It is not only in resisting evil that moral excellence is shown; it is also witnessed in the “proactive” sense of pressing forward in living like God. Therefore, this virtue is seen in day-to-day life when one provides godly growth for the family, builds up brethren, teaches the gospel to the lost, shows kindness to a stranger, and accomplishes any task in a manner worthy of our Lord. This “manly” Christian will never take the route of the coward, but will instead work tirelessly in actions which glorify God.