Whatever is Admirable

Why does it matter to think about what is admirable? After all it’s in your thoughts and no one can see it. But is that really the case?

In this article, we continue our series on Philippians 4:8, with the aim of transforming our mindsets as one governed by God’s word to please Him. This time around, we will be looking at the next virtue here (i.e. admirable).

What does it even mean to be admirable? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “deserving of high esteem”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “deserving respect or approval”.

Now that we understand what the word means, we need to understand why our mindset should be admirable. This presupposes there would be an audience to whom our mindset would be showcased. They are: God, our selves and other people. God because He sets the standards and expects all to follow (which sadly isn’t the case for everyone, as some rebel). Ourselves because our mindset reflects through our actions and conversations. Finally, others, because what we do has a direct or indirect effect on others. For the believer in Christ, we are to let our light shine, that men may see our good deeds and give glory to our Father in Heaven (cf. Matthew 5:16). I will dwell here for a bit. For our light to shine, we must realise that just like a lamp has got a power source that can determine how bright it lights up, so it is with us; there is a root from which our light shines. Proverbs 23:7 says “as a man thinks, so is he”. This shows the root of what affects our actions. I will get back here but to take it further, Proverbs 4:23 NIV says “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”, showing us that the heart is farthest you can get. This is the central part of the human being and the utmost root. Everything flows from the heart through the soul to the physical.  Now that we have this settled, I go back to my initial discourse.

Our actions, like I said are largely affected by our mindset. One of the virtues we need to look at cultivating is having the frame of our minds being admirable (which is training it to think of things that are only deserving of respect) to God, who is the number one audience of how we think as believers, since we must make it our main aim to please God (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:9). And then ourselves, so we can let our light shine before other people.

How do we do this?

The first is to spend time in the Word of God, meditating on it. We must allow the transforming power of God’s word wash our minds of elements of the old nature who was Lord before there was a transference of ownership when we came to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Meditation simply means having a careful think about what the scripture says.

Second, we must still spend time in the word of God but study to show ourselves approved (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15) and apply to our everyday lives. To make it effective, we must set SMART application actions and reflect after at least 21 consecutive days, and findings from this will keep you going. It takes discipline and you can pray asking for grace to be disciplined to keep on. The Holy Spirit is there to help and not do for you (this is to guide your prayer).

Third, prayer. You can never underestimate the power of prayer. The fire of prayer will build and destroy by refining and purifying everything that is not in alignment with the will of God found in His word (cf. Jude 1:20).

Fourth, spend time in fellowship with other believers who are active, to allow for accountability (find trusted persons to be accountable to, for it will save you a lot of stress and painful labour) and also in your secret place with the Holy Spirit (Cf. Isaiah 32:2, Psalm 91:1).

All these are to be done together and not in isolation from each other. God sees discipline, loves discipline, wholeheartedly supports it (cf. Hebrews 12:6) and has provided all you need to embark on the journey of transformation (2 Peter 1:3). What is left is your willingness to be consistent in your attempt to embody this virtue in your thinking, to build your mindset to embody only that which is also admirable. Remember you can’t put new wine into old skins (cf. Luke 5:37,38).

The Lord bless and keep you. Shalom shalom!