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Whatever is admirable – think about such things
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)”Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, “whatever is lovely”, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”
Admirable means good repute, commendable, good report, and worthy of respect. Considering admirable thoughts leads us to ponder over the fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord carry the ideas of reverence, respect, awe, and the awareness of His magnificence.
In Psalm 34 we learn about the fear of the Lord. Psalm 34:11-14 (TLB) Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord. 12 Do you want a long, good life? 13 Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying. 14 Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it.”
The Bible uses the word fear of God at least 300 times, so we make a mistake when we downplay it. The subject becomes even more mysterious when we read 1 John 4:18 (NLT) “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
So how does fear of God, who is perfect love, take away fear? William D. Eisenhower puts it this way in his article ‘Fearing God” in Christianity Today: Unfortunately, many of us presume that the world is the ultimate threat and that God’s function is to offset it. How different this is from the biblical position that God is far scarier than the world …. When we assume that the world is the ultimate threat, we give it unwarranted power, for in truth, the world’s threats are temporary. When we expect God to balance the stress of the world, we reduce him to the world’s equal …. As I walk with the Lord, I discover that God poses an ominous threat to my ego, but not to me. He rescues me from my delusions, so he may reveal the truth that sets me free. He casts me down, only to lift me up again. He sits in judgment of my sin, but forgives me nevertheless. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but love from the Lord is its completion.”
Psalm 33:8(NLT) “Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.”
Psalm 147:10-11 (NLT) “He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. 11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
So, let us fear God – admire Him, stand in awe of him, take refuge in him, and hope in his steadfast love. For it brings the Lord pleasure when we trust in him for strength and help, not our own strength and resources.
Whatever is admirable – think about such things