Obituary for Moral Virtue

If the following appears familiar it's because I've patterned it on a piece written some years ago and which has been widely circulated since. The focus of the original was 'Common Sense' whereas as you'll see, my version marks the demise on its cousin, 'Moral Virtue

OBITUARY

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Moral Virtue. No-one quite knows how old he was, as his birth records were lost long ago, buried in bureaucratic red tape and political correctness. But he will be remembered as having promoted such attitudes and values as...

Treating other people with consideration and respect.

'My way' isn't always the right way.

And yes, maybe it WAS my fault!

Moral Virtue enjoyed a simple, contented lifestyle. He lived within his means; never considered suing a doctor for making an honest mistake and realised that it was up to him to prepare his children to be good citizens, not the responsibility of the State, or especially the school.

He was a peace-loving chap, faithful to his wife, helpful and courteous to his neighbours and with a true estimation of his own faults and failings. He even had the audacity to drive within the speed limit!

However, Moral Virtue lost ground when gambling became Britain's largest and most successful industry; pornography grew in universal respectability; the name 'Jesus Christ' was used more in cursing than in church; the cult of celebrity began to dominate popular entertainment and the words 'please' and 'thank you' were seldom heard on television.

He finally gave up the will to live when true, mainstream Christianity disappeared from public consciousness; the term 'Christmas' was steadily phased out in favour of 'Winter Festival' and Easter only survived because of the chocolate industry!

Moral Virtue was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Honour; his wife Patience; his daughter Chastity and son Dignity. He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers:- Me first; I want it now and I know my rights.

Moral Virtue died a slow, lingering death and not many attended his funeral as few realised he was gone... and even less seemed to care.

A fictitious and cautionary tale perhaps, but certainly thought-provoking as we survey the landscape of our own society. Maintaining moral virtue is of course vitally important in our social relationships. But despite the majority view, it does nothing to help us 'earn' our salvation by making our lives 'acceptable' to the Almighty. Because, in His sight...

'...all our righteous acts are like filthy rags...'

Isaiah 64:6

After all, “He only (Christ Jesus) was 'good enough' to pay the price of sin.”