“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8
Admirable.
As in, something to admire. Something worth looking at. Something that has earned our respect, like a deed of outstanding courage.
Hubby is admirable.
There are so many qualities there to admire – selflessness. A heart that seeks to serve others and doesn’t need recognition. Eyes that notice those who are being left out. A strong work ethic. A desire to protect those in his care.
Each one of those admirable qualities came from one source.
Jesus.
God in flesh, Jesus came to show what His Father’s heart is really like.
His conduct was – well, admirable.
He served without payment. Helped without recognition. Healed without any strings attached. Pointed out the path, while walking it Himself.
Right to the end, when He hung on a cross.
Even there, He showed exemplary courage and fortitude – choosing in the middle of trauma and pain and disappointment and sorrow to forgive.
Not one ounce of vindictive anger. No retaliation, although He could have wiped the entire content right off the map with one command.
What control. What love.
Admirable, yes?
There is so much in our daily existence that is the opposite, isn’t there? Selfish ambition. Discord and jealousy. Abuse of power. Lies and cutting corners and trampling on the rights of others to pursue our own agendas.
I want my conduct to be admirable.
And I want to learn from others who are making admirable choices under hard circumstances.
And through it all, I can cling to the One who above all else is admirable. As I count the ways I can stand in awe and admiration of the God I serve, I find my angst getting a much needed reset.
In a world gone mad, there is yet reason to celebrate and uphold what is good, and right, and true, and admirable.
Think about such things with me today?
Father, You demonstrated Your character in Jesus, and there is so much there to admire! Whenever we behave in admirable ways, we reflect Your character to others. Teach and guide and enable us to be worthy of respect and admiration ourselves. Amen.
Growing in Grace 