Philippians 4:8 - No.6 What is Admirable

Paul tells us to fix our thoughts on several things; "what is admirable" is the last. Keep in mind that the descriptors listed in this verse focus primarily on people and their character.

"Admirable" (NLT; NIV) is also translated as "commendable" (ESV) or "of good repute" (NASB), or "worthy of respect" (NIrV)

In other words, it's the quality or qualities of someone you look up to, someone worth imitating. In fact, that's how Paul describes himself in the very next verse:
"Do what you have learned or received or heard from me. Follow my example. The God who gives peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9, New International Reader's Version)

Consider three different categories of people. No one is perfect, but you can probably think of one or two people that are admirable in just about every way. It's easy to "fix your thoughts" on what is admirable about them--and you should do so!

Then there are people that don't have the best character, but you might say, "They are a scoundrel, but I can say this about them, they are _____________." Fill in the blank with whatever good thing you still find admirable. Fix your thoughts on their good attributes.

Lastly there are probably people in your life that seem to be completely void of admirable qualities. Turn their flaws into prayer requests, that they would become people worthy of respect.

Regardless, "fix your thoughts on what is admirable." (verse 8, New Living Translation, 2015)

Lord God, We can always pray for other people. For those with admirable qualities, we give thanks for the example they set for us. For those lacking in such qualities, we ask that they would encounter Jesus Christ in a way that His qualities become their own. For ourselves: Trim away the disreputable junk. Make us to be admirable people--a reflection of Christ in whose name we pray, Amen.