Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
The apostle Paul begins to rap up his letter to the church in Philippi by entreating a couple of his women co-laborers to be of the same mind. He continues by giving a list of virtues that he commends to the church as being worthy of their sincere consideration. This is not an exhaustive list by any means but rather a representation of virtues that are beholding to Christian character.
Second in Paul’s list of things to think about is “whatever is honorable”. Honorable means bringing or worthy of honor. Paul said that he and those ministering with him made it their aim to be honorable in the sight of God and man (2 Corinthians 8:21). He seems to be saying that being honorable is a quality that they had thought over and determined in their heart. The way we think about or toward someone or something likely determines how we will behave toward that person or thing. Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (Romans 12:17 ESV) Being an honorable person, a person worthy of honor, begins with thinking honorable thoughts.
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to glorify God and one way to accomplish that goal is by living an honorable life. Living an honorable life means possessing and consistently demonstrating high moral principles and integrity in one’s actions and character. It involves being honest, fair, and trustworthy, and treating others with respect. An honorable person is worthy of respect and admiration, and they strive to live up to high ethical standards.
As Christians we should conduct our lives and treat others honorably, especially to those outside of the Christian faith. Peter wrote, Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12 ESV) Paul concurs by admonishing us to give respect to whom respect is due and honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). Albert Barnes comments, “Our conduct as Christians should be such as to bear the strictest scrutiny such that the closest examination will lead our enemies to the conviction that we are upright and honest.”
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he wrote, Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21 ESV) Two verses prior, Paul exhorts, Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19). To be a vessel for honorable use we must purge ourselves from everything that is dishonorable (not worthy of honor). We must strive to be free of the corrupting influences of dishonorable men. The Psalmist alluded to this: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates (ponders, thinks) day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2 ESV) Meditating, pondering and applying God’s word to our lives will help produce honorable thinking which is a solid foundation for living an honorable life.
Do you think honorable thoughts and live an honorable life? Do you treat others honorably?
Scriptures for meditation:
Psalms 119:52