How to Use "The Lust Dare"
Day #26: Whatever is
Admirable
“Listen to this…stand
still and consider the wondrous works of God.”
–Job 37:14
–Job 37:14
Whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report…. Some translate this word
as admirable, others as of value, and still others as of good fame,
commendable, honorable, respected, well spoken of, or refutable.
The Greek word used is literally
speaking of that which is well spoken of or refutable. And I think many of
those other words back up that over all idea of “well spoken of.” When a person
is well spoken of, people talk about how they are commendable, their honorable
attributes, why they respect them, and how they admire or value them;
essentially speaking of their good fame. (I love that “good fame.” Sounds all
poetic and Shakespeare like….)
So we are told to think on these
things. I know that this command has been one that has changed my thinking
dramatically. I live in a home where there are a LOT
of people. I am surrounded by both the beauty and the sin nature of other
humans 24/7. And it is really easy to get annoyed by the sin nature or even the
simple idiosyncrasies that the people in my home have. It is very easy to see
that they don’t wash behind the sink, or forget to flush the toilet, or use a
rude tone, or make a joke in bad timing.
But God doesn’t leave room in this
command. He doesn’t say “think on that which is admirable unless the people
around you are just really annoying.” No, He said to think on that which is
admirable. And as all of us are created in God’s image, I firmly believe that
He has endowed every single one of His created with traits that are admirable, of good report, or
commendable. And these are the things that we are called to think on.
So I started to try applying this,
and see what happened. When I would get annoyed with my brother constantly
playing the piano, I would try to commend him for his gift of music. When my
Dad would get out of sorts after a long work day, I would think on how much I
respected his faithfulness to provide for our family. When my little sister
would cry at the silliest things, I would think on how much I admired her
tender heart and that she had not yet been hardened by life and circumstances.
(That did not mean, however, that she was allowed to continue to throw a fit).
Do I always apply this? Definitely
not! But, do I wish I did? Yes! It has been a huge aid. In purposefully looking
for and thinking on that of good report with those around me, my attitude and
also my love for each others has greatly improved. God calls us to think on
these things, as they not only are something to replace the lustful thoughts
that would love to overtake us, but they also will improve our relationships
with those around us.
And even better than thinking on
the admirable traits of those around us, is thinking on the commendable traits
of God. Why is God admirable, commendable, or of good fame. What is honorable
or respectable about God? What is of value or refutable in His character.
Thinking on and answering these questions is exactly what God was calling us to
through the words of Paul to the Philippians.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or
conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
–Philippians 2:3
Today’s Dare
Today you are going to make another list. Bear with me.
Today, search the scriptures and your own life, and make a running list of that
which you find admirable, of good report, of value, commendable, honorable,
respected, refutable, or of good fame about God. Keep a running list as well
for those that are around you, especially those who you would be tempted to
think or speak poorly of.
The Lust Dare: Day #23
The Lust Dare: Day #24
The Lust Dare: Day #25
The Lust Dare: Day #27
The Lust Dare: Day #28
The Lust Dare: Day #29
The Lust Dare: Day #30
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