Think on These Things-Part 3
(Phil. 4:8)
Pastor Vicky MootsKingman, Kansas
Number six on the list of things which we have been instructed by Paul to think upon is “whatsoever things are of good report.” “Good report” means “reputable, well spoken of.” Today many people search the internet for answers to their questions, but unfortunately not all of the websites are reputable or reliable sources of information. However, there is one source that is 100% reliable and reputable, and that is the inspired Word of God. It is the “good report.”
In Acts 6:1-6 we read that the disciples needed help to serve the people, so in v. 12 we find that they chose seven “men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” to appoint over the matter. If our desire is to be of service to the Lord, then we also should be of honest, or “good report,” because we are representatives of Christ Himself.
Hebrews chapter 11 is filled with good reports of many Old Testament believers who walked by faith and overcame obstacles. However, some of those who were considered heroes of faith, such as Samson, David, Abraham and Rahab, had done some things that were not of good report. That is because those men and women in this chapter were just ordinary people like you and I who stumbled and made mistakes. Why weren’t their mistakes listed along with their accomplishments? That is because the writer wished to proclaim only those deeds that were done by faith, only those things that were of “good report,” which he clarifies in v. 39: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith…” And so, it is the things of “good report.” which we are encouraged by Paul to meditate upon when we look upon others or even upon ourselves.
The seventh thing listed by Paul for us to focus upon is “if there be any virtue.” “Virtue” in this verse refers to “moral excellence,” or “being pleasing to God.” This, of course, speaks of Christ who was without sin and was pleasing to His Father. After Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan by John, we read in Matt. 3:17 that there came a voice from heaven saying, “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. We also, as Christians should endeavor to be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
In Prov. 31:10-31 we find a description of the virtuous woman. It starts out with v. 10 which exclaims, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Then in v. 31 it summarizes her description by stating, “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” She is a picture, or type, of the bride of Christ. As we think upon these verses we may wonder how that could ever be said of us if we are to be in the bridial company. How could we ever attain unto such a standard as that? It is by reason of the fact that the virtuous character of the bride is actually the life of Christ in her, and not her own. We have nothing in ourselves of which to boast, for all of the glory belongs to Him. The more that we meditate upon Him, the more like Him that we become.
The 8th and final thing which Paul mentions for us to think upon is “if there be any praise.” The Hebrew word for “praise” is “halal,” which means “to commend, to shine, to celebrate, to give glory.” The word “Hallelujah,” meaning “praise the Lord,” is derived from this word.
Ps. 150 is a psalm of praise and is a perfect example of what we are to meditate upon. I would like to highlight the first two verses: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in the sanctuary: Praise Him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts; Praise him according to his excellent greatness.” No one is excluded from praising the Lord, for v. 6 closes with these words: “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
In summary, all of the things which Paul has instructed us to think upon, (those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue and praise), paint a picture of Christ, our Beloved Bridegroom. As we meditate upon Him and His Word, we are changed into His image from glory to glory and prepared to reign with Him as His Bride.
