The More Excellent Way: Christian Moral Formation (Lesson #1)

The More Excellent Way
Virtue, Goodness, and Integrity
Christian Moral Formation

Lesson #1: The problem

by Joel Stephen Williams

Where does the title of this series of video lessons come from? The apostle Paul wrote, “I will show you a still more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31; NRSV), and then he discussed Christian love. The more excellent way, the ethical Christian way of living, is the way of love. The sub-title “virtue, goodness, and integrity” is based on 2 Peter 1:5–8. This series of lessons will be a study of virtue and Christian character. All of this sounds quite positive, does it not? Maybe you are wondering what the problem is? After all, “the problem” is the title of lesson #1. Before we start on our journey through moral formation toward virtue, goodness, and integrity, we need to face the reality of the problem of human existence. It is the sinfulness of mankind. Our fallibility is a challenge to the more excellent way. In these lessons I will challenge you to live above the bare minimum, to strive for excellence.