The Seven Pillars of Virtuous Character

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ~Ephesians 6:4

As we engage in the nurturing of our children and students, we aren't simply educating them, but laying the foundational stones of their future selves. We're shaping their intellectual abilities as well as the essence of their character and spirit. Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with a ministry friend who's visiting us this weekend. He shared that whenever he prays for his children, he asks for the blessing of seven essential virtues: faith, humility, love, wisdom, character, courage, and conviction.

Reflecting on our chat, I realized how these virtues weave themselves intricately into the tapestry of a vibrant Christian spirituality, essentially becoming the North Stars of their sanctification. Touched by his insight, I have embraced this practice for my own children, entrusting them in God's hands to root them firmly amidst the shifting sands of our world and to guide their journeys towards righteous living.

As we lean into our devotional this morning, I plan to explore each of these virtues further, breaking down their importance and the role they play in our spiritual development. My hope is that you will feel inspired to join me in this practice, to intercede for these virtues in your lives and the lives of those dear to you.

Faith is the starting point of a virtuous life. As Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Instilling faith in children serves as their spiritual compass, teaching them to reach through what they can see and lay hold of what they can’t. When children have faith, they understand their purpose is much larger than themselves. They learn to trust God's omnipotence and His unwavering love for them, providing a sense of security and resilience in the face of adversity.

Humility is an often overlooked virtue in our self-centered world, and it is essential in maintaining a balanced and healthy view of ourselves. As Philippians 2:3 advises, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Teaching children humility allows them to recognize their abilities and accomplishments are not self-derived; they are blessings given by God. It helps them to appreciate the contributions of others, fostering a sense of gratitude and empathy. A humble child matures into an individual who prefers teamwork to diva-performances, values kindness above arrogance, and prioritizes service over personal gain.

Love is the virtue that both transcends and encompasses all others. As stated in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Love in its purest form is selfless and unconditional. Teaching children to love means teaching them to respect, accept, and care for others, irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs. Love fuels compassion, kindness, and generosity, creating individuals who seek unity, understanding, and peace.

Wisdom, often mistaken as mere knowledge, is the discernment of what is truly important. If knowledge involves testing well, wisdom is all about living well. It involves an understanding of right from wrong and the ability to make good judgments based on that understanding. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Wisdom goes beyond book learning; it is about nurturing the ability to navigate life with grace, understanding the consequences of actions, and making decisions rooted in integrity and thoughtfulness.

Character is all about consistency and is the composite of one's moral and ethical qualities. It is both the fruit of our past choices and the root of all our future ones. A person of character consistently displays qualities such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, and fairness. As parents and educators, we must model good character to children, providing a living example of these virtues. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."

The last two virtues, courage and conviction, are particularly important in boys. Courage is not about the absence of fear, but the strength to face it. It enables children to take risks, to stand up for what they believe, and to step out of their comfort zones. Conviction is the ability to live passionately, with unyielding confidence in one's first principles. It is the strength of will that encourages them to uphold their beliefs, even in the face of opposition or criticism.

In conclusion, think about what would happen if God granted our children these seven virtues. What a difference they would make! Can you envision with me how faith would ground them, humility would remind them of their place, love would connect them to others, wisdom would guide them, character would define them, courage would embolden them, and conviction would sustain them?

As we pray for these virtues over our children, let us model them in our own lives, and so equip them with the spiritual and moral compass to navigate the journey of life faithfully.