It’s not hard to find advice on what to buy, what to eat, what/when to sell, where to go…all we have to do is ask. Christians have a mandate to seek advice from a Source above man, and when that help is found it will guide us into “all truth,” John 8:32, 16:13 – God’s word. That is the only place where we find God’s “advice” for “all things that pertain to life and godliness,” 2 Peter 1:3.
Paul told his Philippian brethren of his prayer for them in
chapter 1:9-10: “This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”
There, Paul made it clear that they were to seek out the very best things, in fact to seek out the “excellent” things.
That word, “excellent” is defined as “of highest quality or standard; of superiormerit;remarkablygood.”Synonyms listedinclude: “tremendous, outstanding, first-rate superb, exceptional.” The Holy Spirit and Paul set high standards for the Philippians – and for all Christians. Our goal is to take the best path in all things, to give our approval to things that are of the highest quality, the very best available.
Christians face many choices every day, and we must determine to choose the best things, the excellent things – not merely those which are on the borderline – but “things that are excellent.”
In nearly every facet of life we acknowledge that some things are of bad quality, some better, some good – but some are best, some are excellent. In athletics the “great” players are those who make “excellent” plays, do extraordinary things. Then there are the others who are “average.” The ones making the “big money” are those who do the “excellent” things in “excellent” ways. Christians will have decisions that are difficult, but in every one we must “approve things that are excellent.”
Excellent Ethical Choices
When mother sends daughter or son out into the world she wants them to “approve things that are excellent,” not merely to avoid being “caught.” In matters of finance, personal relationships, etc., in every area of life, ethical standards for Christians should be – must be – of the highest quality, “excellent.” It will never be enough to merely avoid the most wicked behavior; we must find the most excellent way to live every day, then choose, and put our approval on those excellent ways. God set high standards for our own benefit, and we must not only recognize them, but also “approve” them.
The world’s standards for humans are often barely above the very lowest. God, however, says:
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things,” Philippians 4:8.
Excellent Homes
It is imperative that a Christian’s home seeks the excellent ways, the best path for all family members. Our association with each other must be the “excellent” way. By our attitude, by our way of speaking to others, being considerate of the feelings of others – all of these should reflect our love for them and our determination to choose the “excellent” ways, not just those that are not as bad as some other ways.
Excellent Attitudes toward the Bible
Many congregations have members who are very weak in the faith. Their absence at worship assemblies, and their lack of knowledge of God’s excellent way explains their failure to recognize the serious nature of their relationship to Him. Do they seek ways to help those in need? Do they look for ways to improve the reputation of God’s people in the eyes of the community? Do they study their Bible? Do they seek out their friends, family and neighbors to teach them the gospel? Answers to these and other questions will reveal the strength of a congregation.
You can mark it down in indelible ink – if those answers continue to be habitually negative for most members, that church will soon lose its relationship to Christ, and any positive impact they may have in their community will vanish.
Excellent Relationships With Others
The word “love” is so constant in the Bible that it may be easy to forget it. However, there are some imperatives on that subject as well:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if
ye have love one to another,” John 13:35.
Yes, that’s how the world knows we are God’s people. You say, “It’s hard to love some people”? Yes, we are all hard to love at times, but that changes nothing. It must be hard for God to love us, but He does, and we must set higher standards for ourselves Let’s begin now seeking the best interests of our brethren – and all others.
