The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians the following:
“Finally beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
(Philippians 4:8, NRSV)
Two weeks ago I wrote a brief article about excellence and how important it is
to maintain the utmost of excellence in all that we do in the church and the
ministries we maintain or seek to do beyond the walls of our local building.
When it comes to excellence I want to prayerfully consider the above words
from the Apostle Paul as he wrote his letter to the Philippians. Consider first the
way in which you are addressed. You are a part of the beloved community of Jesus
Christ. Secondly, consider the attributes that Paul mentions: truth, honor, justice,
being pleasant, always regarding your fellow Christians as commendable.
How do you desire to be seen by your fellow Christians and the surrounding
community? Do you desire to be unkempt and shoddy or sharp and debonair? The
same criterion applies to the church in which we worship and from which we seek to
do mission and ministry.
Again, read the words above from the Apostle Paul and seek to absorb them
into your being and way of living.
