It is deeply engrained in our very being that we want to become like our Creator. After all, we were made in His image and likeness! He created us for goodness and to be in union with Him forever. The Catechism tells us that the only way to become like God is to pursue a life of virtue.
CCC 1803:
“A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues good and chooses it in concrete actions. The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.”
However, with our fallen human nature this desire can become distorted.
There is no denying that we all have an inclination to sin. The day that Adam and Eve chose to disobey God was the day that sin and death entered into our lives. They were tested and chose to go against what God has asked.
Genesis (3:4-5):
“The snake replied, “That’s not true; you will not die. God said that because he knows that when you eat it, you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad.”
Eve was told that if she ate the fruit of the tree that she would “be like God”. Of course we all want to be like Him. We are attracted to His goodness, faithfulness and kindness. He made us to be like Him and walk in His ways.
The only way to combat our concupiscence is to surrender to the Holy Spirit, and empowered by His Grace, to choose live a life of virtue – to love God, obey His commands and do as He asks. Doesn’t He know best? Doesn’t He know the deepest desires of our hearts? He knows everything.
In order to truly love God and follow Him, we have been made with free will. We are free to follow Him or follow ourselves. He has given us a choice.
Deuteronomy (30:19-20):
“I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God’s blessing and God’s curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life. Love the Lord your God, obey him and be faithful to him”
If we live a life of virtue, we will become “like God”. Unlike Adam and Eve, we need to obey God in order to do this. He knows what is best for us. He knows what will bring us life and what will destroy it. The important thing to remember is that we are not entrusted to do this alone. He has given us His “Helper”. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He promised us that the Holy Spirit would be with us. God always keeps His promises.
In the loving arms of our Father, in trust and humble obedience, it is necessary for us to have life to do whatever He tells us. This is virtue. The more we live it, the more we become one with our Creator.
This is our challenge today, and it is an important one. It is literally a life or death situation.
Philippians (4:8):
“Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable”
If you accept this challenge you can find our resources here to help you on the journey of growing in virtue!
For more info on how these seeds work see here. Or for more info on how the Roses work see here.
VIRTUE SEEDS FOR ROSES
Golden Rose 