Piety, or deep reverence for God, is foundational to a life of faith. It’s about honoring God in our hearts and daily actions. Daniel’s story shows us true piety; he prayed faithfully three times a day and honored God even when it put him at odds with the king’s command. His loyalty to God helped him stay grounded, wise, and courageous, allowing God’s favor to shine through him. Piety keeps us close to God’s heart, letting us find strength in His presence and wisdom in His ways, which we need to live a steady, peaceable life.
Service is another essential virtue, seen in the selfless lives of those like Ruth, who dedicated herself to Naomi’s welfare. Despite her own hardships, Ruth served Naomi with love and humility, following her to a foreign land and working tirelessly to provide for them both. In time, her dedication was rewarded, and she became part of God’s plan for Israel’s future. Serving others nurtures humility, resilience, and compassion, drawing us closer to God’s will. Service to others, done with love and patience, teaches us how to give freely and to see Christ in everyone we meet.
Finally, poverty—whether physical or spiritual—humbles us and draws us into dependence on God. Jesus Himself taught, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Mary, the mother of Jesus, humbly accepted her simple life and trusted God’s plan, even when she could not fully understand it. Embracing a spirit of poverty means letting go of our ego and reliance on material wealth. It teaches us to place our trust in God alone and find peace and fulfillment in His grace, leading us to maturity and a richer, more grounded spiritual life.
