The Seven Living Virtues vs.The Seven Deadly Sins
We have all heard of the Seven Deadly sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride but what about the Seven Living Virtues?
#1 — Chastity – the opposite of Lust – means in the literal sense abstaining from sexual conduct according to one’s state in life; the practice of Courtly love and Romantic friendship. Ahhhh…But it also means cleanliness through cultivated good health and hygiene, and maintained by refraining from intoxicants. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought through education and betterment… And. ..the ability to refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption. To be honest with oneself, one’s family, one’s friends, and to all of humanity. Yes, if you are honest with yourself, it just follows that you will be honest with your family, your friends, your co-workers. Sometimes it is very difficult to take a long hard look at oneself and one’s motivations. Yet, that is something we need to do especially if something just doesn’t feel right! If you say something harsh or not completely true and you don’t know why. Take a few quiet moments and pray to the Creator. Ask yourself why did I do that or say that? The answer will come and you may not like it but it is better to know and correct it. Being honest with oneself.
# 2 —- Temperance – the opposite of Gluttony — is Self-Control, Justice, Honor, Abstention and Restraint, the constant mindfulness of others and one’s surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, moderation, deferred gratification and prudence. The key word here is Moderation – to avoid excesses that can literally take control of your life. There are so many wonderful things in life to enjoy – many are simple and free. Just take a moment and see how many you can find in your life right now. It could be something as simple as a beautiful sunny morning or as joyful as a child’s laughter.
#3 Charity – the opposite of Greed – is Benevolence, Generosity, Self-Sacrifice. In Christian theology Charity, or love is the greatest of the three theological virtues. Love, in this sense meaning an unlimited loving-kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. In its extreme form such love can be self sacrificial. Mother Teresa comes to mind here and her 45 years of work with the poor, orphaned, sick and dying in the ghettos of India. But we don’t have to be self-sacrificing to show Charity to others. We can volunteer in our community or at our children’s school. There are so many ways we can make the difference in our lives and also in someone else’s life.
# 4 Diligence – the opposite of sloth – also Persistence, Effort, and Ethics. Having a zealous and careful nature in one’s actions and work and a decisive work ethic. Steadfastness in belief and fortitude – the capability of not giving up; budgeting one’s time; monitoring one’s own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one’s convictions at all times, especially – now – here comes the most important part – especially when no one else is watching – that is called Integrity.
I’m sure we have all been there at one time or another in our lives, you know, the times when we just get so tired of what we are doing that we just want to stop whatever it is – but we don’t …we continue to the end and at the end we feel so much better for having completed the project or the job that we almost forgot how tired we really were! That is diligence – an anti-sloth activity!
#5 Patience – the opposite of wrath – also serenity, tolerance, peace and mercy, Forbearance and endurance through moderation; resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence with the ability to forgive; to show mercy. Not killing or being violent in any way to any life form or sentient being; creating a sense of peaceful stability and community. How can we practice patience in our every-day lives? Oh that is easy I can hear you all saying – I’m patient with my children, or my workers OK! I understand that – but – do you show patience when someone in front of you is driving slower than you like? Or waiting on line – anywhere? Yes, I’m sure we can improve on our patience skills.
# 6 Kindness – the opposite of envy – loyalty, compassion, integrity, compassion and friendship for its own sake. Empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment; the ability to have unconditional love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite; having a positive outlook and cheerful demeanor; to inspire kindness in others. This one – kindness – is so easy, being kind just makes you feel good. Your heart fills up and swells with good feelings about the situation, the other person…about yourself… And the most wonderful thing about kindness is that feeling good about yourself in this way is rarely prideful. It is just a good, honest, good feeling.
# 7 Humility – the opposite of pride – also bravery, modesty, reverence, altruism, having modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. To have reverence for those who have wisdom. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one’s own self. Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be – now that is worth repeating – Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be! Sometimes it is so easy to make a promise, “I’ll read that story to you later.” Or “I’ll do it later.” But does later ever come? Or – is that just a means of saying “no” with actually saying ”no”?
Having humility is difficult in today’s society. You have to get ahead! You have to get out there and blow your own horn! You have to make that big splash in business! Stand out from the crowd! It’s every man for himself! Right? And in your social life – you have to keep up! You can’t fall behind I mean what would your neighbors think?… Stop!!! Yes, unfortunately, a lot of that is true today, but we all know someone who made it on his own merit without stepping on others. Someone who maybe even gave a helping hand to a colleague? Someone who may even have stepped aside to not cast a shadow on someone else’s efforts? You can be that someone, too…
I am reminded of Dr. Mikao Usui, the developer and discoverer of Usui Reiki, and his five ideals, which to me, sum up the easiest guide on how to live one’s life in grace. They are: Just for today do not anger, do not worry and be filled with gratitude. Do your work honestly and be kind to people…
Dr. Usui was a kind and gentle man. He didn’t yell and say “You must do this every single day for the rest of your life!” Noooo he understood us and our frailties. So he said – Just for today do not anger, do not worry (or maybe – don’t waste time on worry instead take action to remedy whatever situation you are worried about), and be filled with gratitude. Do your work honestly and be kind to people.
He was also a very wise man because actually – isn’t every day – today?
Before I leave you today I would like to leave you with one affirmation: Say it three times, then whenever you feel the need.
“I am the person I strive to be. I keep God in my heart, and I am surrounded by the golden light of God’s love. I am to others as I wish them to be to me. And so it is…
Until next time, may God bless you and keep you safe.
