We’ve been considering five basic virtues that might help move the moral compass of our nation in a positive direction. These common qualities are not beyond the reach of anyone.

These traits can be broadly accepted and agreed upon, regardless of a person’s background or beliefs. They are such neutral qualities that they could easily be taught in all of the schools and modeled in the marketplace.

Is there a parent anywhere who wouldn’t want their child to possess these qualities?

The adoption of these virtues would dramatically change the thinking and behaving in culture. Regardless of religious background or political affiliation, these values should be easy to embrace, which would be a dramatic step toward moving our culture from increasing darkness to light.

Can you imagine what might happen if we could increase trustworthiness, ramp up responsibility and respect, improve fairness and leverage love within our families?

How would it change the landscape where you work, in your neighborhood, in your school, if everyone were to choose to commit to and grow these five qualities?

There is no reason it can’t happen. We just need to decide to teach these virtues because all of them can be learned. This is not impossible.

Things like bigotry, racism, violence and hatred are being taught and learned every day. Children already seem to be catching on to these attitudes and behaviors pretty well. Trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness and love can be taught, too.

What if these foundational virtues that almost everyone would agree with could be upheld in families, inspired in churches, underscored in schools, encouraged in the marketplace, modeled in government and through the media?

I believe we would gradually see a revolutionary change take place in attitudes and behaviors across the country and around the world if that were the case.

The transformation that needs to happen in our world is something that must begin on a very personal level. Will you do your part? I have a feeling there is something within all of us that desires this. It sounds so appealing, so desirable and so good.

And the good news is it is all possible. Ephesians 3:20 tells us that “God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams. He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his spirit deeply and gently within us.” Let’s pray it will be so.

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].