Fix Your Mind - If There Is Anything Worthy of Praise (Part 8)
December 18, 2023
I am always amazed at the power of praise and the impact it has on the hearer. Some years back, I attended an extended family event with my parents. My mother was introduced to the daughter of her niece. Mom had never met this daughter before, but she had heard about her. The first thing out of Mom’s mouth was something like, “Oh! I heard what a wonderful person you are to take such good care of your mother.” This daughter had made significant personal sacrifices to take in her mother and see her through cancer and dying. The daughter dissolved into tears, but they did not seem to be sad tears. Rather, they seemed to be grateful tears. Grateful that someone understood the extent of what she had done and admired her for it. That praise changed that daughter’s day. You could almost see her gather strength from those few words spoken. Wow!
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about and weigh and consider good things, not bad things.
8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. (AMPC)
My mother would not have complimented her niece’s daughter if she had not been fixing her mind on what she found to be the praiseworthy actions of that daughter. Praiseworthy means that something is deserving approval or admiration; laudable or commendable. It takes effort to observe and hold on to thoughts of praiseworthy behavior. Many times, our minds go to what was wrong about the action instead of what was right. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus pointed out praiseworthy behavior while others considered the behavior to be reckless.
3 And while He was in Bethany, [a guest] in the house of Simon the leper, as He was reclining [at table], a woman came with an alabaster jar of ointment (perfume) of pure nard, very costly and precious; and she broke the jar and poured [the perfume] over His head. 4 But there were some who were moved with indignation and said to themselves, To what purpose was the ointment (perfume) thus wasted? 5 For it was possible to have sold this [perfume] for more than 300 denarii [a laboring man’s wages for a year] and to have given [the money] to the poor. And they censured and reproved her.
6 But Jesus said, Let her alone; why are you troubling her? She has done a good and beautiful thing to Me [praiseworthy and noble]. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you will not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could; she came beforehand to anoint My body for the burial. 9 And surely I tell you, wherever the good news (the Gospel) is proclaimed in the entire world, what she has done will be told in memory of her. (Mark 14:3-9, AMPC)
If there is anything worthy of praise, fix your mind on it. You must LOOK for the praiseworthy things. I have not been the kind of person who gives out praise liberally. As a boss, I often deal with personnel issues and disciplinary actions. It is easy to fall into the thought pattern that nobody is not doing the right thing or doing their best. That is, of course, totally not true. I must expend effort to deliberately pull my mind away from negativity and thinking everything is bad. But when I do get the opportunity to praise someone, it totally makes their day. And it changes our relationship for the better. Philippians 4:6-9 states:
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. (AMPC)
I get Paul’s point to the Philippians. I must practice fixing my mind on these things. While some people seem to be good at it, it does not come ‘naturally’ to anyone. Everyone must practice it. It is important to your own well-being and to the well-being of those around you. And even better still, the practice has the benefit of the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) being with you. That is a total bonus at Christmas time. Sign me up!