“…and if there is anything praiseworthy…”
The ninth, and last, item about which the believer is to structure his thinking is “praiseworthy.”
“and if there is anything praiseworthy”
The word “praiseworthy” is preceded by an “if.” The “if” is an if of assumed fact: “Since there is actually something praiseworthy” in the other person. Every true child of God has something praiseworthy in them no matter how distorted they may be. This is the second assumed fact about which the believer is to think. We are to think about what is praiseworthy in other Christians.”Praiseworthy” is anything capable of praise as a result of the practice of moral excellence. There are things that humans universally approve. It is whatever generally deemed praiseworthy by all human beings.
There are things in both Euodia and Syntyche worthy of praise no matter how far they have deteriorated into carnality. Paul says in effect “If you cannot approve of each other’s growth or spirituality, at least you can approve of each other as human beings!” This is an approval of the civic worth in the other persons. Paul is saying, “At bare minimum, be civil with each other!”
Principle:
God expects us to find at least a modicum of praise in other Christians.
Application:
It is easy to find fault with others. One of the easiest things to find is fault. The person who is always finding fault seldom finds anything else. It is a lot easier to blow out another person’s light than to light your own. It is more difficult to find something to praise in other people.
Take a good look at your worst enemy. Is there anything “praiseworthy” in them? At minimum, be civil with them!
0 Responses to “Philippians 4:8i”