Virtue is having high moral standards. Like yeast, it can work its way into everything. Virtue is also elusive. Goodness isn’t picked like seashells on the beach. Goodness is from God because God is good. In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul takes virtue apart so we can actively pursue it as we “think about such things.”

“Whatever is true.” There is truth, and we can know it. God’s Word is truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We should tell the truth to each other. 

“Whatever is noble.” We have tarnished it badly. But the image of God, in which we were made, left us capable of showing something no other creature can. Human dignity.

“Whatever is right.” People can have different values about many things and even debate them. Values are good. But virtue is better. It lifts us above divisions because whatever is right is undeniable.

“Whatever is pure.” We all want clean air to breathe and clear water to drink. Why would we consume anything else that is contaminated with something dirty? 

“Whatever is lovely.” The free market can help us rediscover virtue. If we stop paying for ugliness and subscribe to more that is beautiful, we will get what we pay for.

“Whatever is admirable.” Respect isn’t doled out willy-nilly. Respect is drawn out of us by people who are worthy of it. We can admire people for their virtue.

Watch for it. When “anything is excellent or praiseworthy,” we have rediscovered virtue.