Fixing My Mind, Thinking With A Purpose:
Whatever You Think You Become (Part 4)
Delivered by Trennie L. Williams
Christ Tabernacle Misssionary Baptist Church
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking about honor is The Scout Oath or Promise:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
From beginning to end, this pledge provides significant meaning for each Boy Scout member. “On my honor” means giving your word, promising to be guided by the Scout Oath. “…and morally straight” is to have strong character that represents honesty and openness; “respecting and defending the rights of all people;” clean speech and actions; faithful to religious beliefs; and “a life of virtue and self-reliance.”
Personally, I had an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. To receive an honorable discharge, I had to earn a good to excellent rating of standards during my time of duty, as it relates to my performance and conduct.
Honorable, derived from the Greek word semnos, means grave, honest, venerable: to respect greatly, whether because of age, character or wisdom. Our duty, as Christians, is to live honorably according to God’s will and way.
The Word gives us an outline of what it takes to live with honor, to do whatever is honorable:
- Serve daily, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom
Acts 6:1-3
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
- Exchange evil and vengeance for honorable living.
Romans 12:17-21
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Walk like the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 13:13-14
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
- Aim for honor in the sight of the Lord and other people.
2Corinthians 8:20-21
We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.
- Love one another more and more, live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work without depending on anyone.
1Thessalonians 4:9-12
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
- Lead through prayer for and saving people with the knowledge of truth, leading a peacefully and quietly, godly and dignified in every way.
1Timothy 2:1-4
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
- Have a clear conscience by desiring to act honorably in all things.
Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
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