Our opening verse says we’ve been called to glory and virtue; meaning that inside of you is the glory of God and the power to do right. Virtue means moral excellence that’s dependent on moral energy; the power to do right. It’s the work of the Spirit of God produced from inside you, but you have to walk in it.

 

For example, you can refuse to cheat at work or school. The power or moral energy to resist such an act is in you. Acts 1:8 says, "…Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…." This power is inherent in you. When the Holy Spirit comes to reside in you, He energizes you from within for the life of moral excellence. You have the inherent ability to set your mind to do what is right, and refuse that which is wrong.

 

This is what 2 Peter 1:5 tells us: "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue…." This doesn’t mean that "virtue" isn’t already in you, or that you’re to try and get it, and add it to your faith; no! The word "add" is the Greek "epichoregeo" and it means to "furnish besides," i.e. fully supply or sponsor. The ability to set your mind to do what’s right, and refuse that which is wrong is inside you; put it to work! Sponsor it; supply it lavishly to your faith. That’s what God is saying.