What motivates us to praise and virtuosity? Could it be what WE THINK ABOUT? “Finally, my brothers, whatever things are TRUE, whatever things are HONEST, whatever things are JUST, whatever things are PURE, whatever things are LOVELY, whatever things are of GOOD REPORT; if there is any 1VIRTUE and if there is any 2PRAISE, THINK ON THESE THINGS. (Phil. 4:8) 1arete: moral excellence 2epainos: commendation.
So, if we want to be a vulturous and praise worthy person, we should think on THESE THINGS:
- TRUE: To be in line with what actually is and it so happens that Jesus said He is, “…the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) We must learn by reading, listening to and having an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- HONEST: semnos: dignified, noble Something is noble when it is of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence: a righteous thought. The vulgarity we routinely expose our minds to today would shock folks from just a few generations ago.
- JUST: Upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God. So much in our culture seems to be turning things upside down when it comes to justice. Yet we do the same things when we condemn ourselves and worry about our future. The truth is that we are APPROVED OF AND ACCEPTABLE BY GOD.
- PURE: Innocent, modest, perfect, chaste, clean. “Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” (1 Tim. 5:22)
- LOVELY: Acceptable, pleasing, charmingly or exquisitely beautiful, having a beauty that appeals to the heart or mind as well as to the eye, as a person or a face, delightful, highly pleasing. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23)
- GOOD REPORT: One that sounds correctly, utters words of a pleasing nature, speaks positively. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ALWAYS THINK ABOUT JESUS CHRIST. He was brought back to life and is a descendant of David. This is the Good News that we tell others.” (2 Tim. 2:1, 8)
-Bill Stockham