Philippians 4:8 - No.2 What is Honorable

Paul gives us lenses for how we should filter for how we think. "What is true" is the first lens. "What is honorable" is the second lens. (Philippians 4:8)

The word "honorable" also means "noble" or "worthy of praise." 

The apostle Peter gives some practical ways to fix our thoughts on what is honorable.

"13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you." (1 Peter 2:13–15, New Living Translation, 2015)

Honor goes two ways. A ruler should "honor those who do right." In the US, someone might receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom--given to an individual who has excelled in "doing the right thing." But what the US  may define as "right" may not be the same as the Bible's definition.

Citizens of any country should "honor" a ruler, which is more about honoring a position than a person. What if the leader is evil and corrupt? What if the ruler is honoring people who do the wrong thing?

The next verse broadens our perspective:
"Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." (1 Peter 2:17, New American Standard Bible, 1995)

Not only should we "honor the king," but we should "honor all people." It's the ultimate statement of inclusion. There is something that we can honor about anyone, even the most despicable character. For what do we praise them? Does everyone get a "participation trophy" like we give to little kids at a sporting event? Yes, everyone can be honored because they are created by God, they are loved by God, they are redeemable. There is always something honorable to find in our fellow human being.

Creator of all life, We honor You as the one who is most "worthy of praise." Whether it's people or events who seem covered in darkness, enlighten our thoughts to see what is honorable from Your perspective. And for ourselves, may our lives be honorable. We want our character to shine Your light in dark places to overcome what is dishonorable. In Jesus' name we ask it, Amen.

 

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