Philippians 4:8 KJVS [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Virtue—righteousness, morality, that which is ethical

2 Peter 1 tells us that we should add virtue to our faith as we grow in the knowledge of Christ.  It also tells us we have been called to glory and virtue.  As we mature in our faith and change the way we think, part of that change will bring living in righteousness into our lives.  We will make decisions that are governed by ethical standards.  This change reflects the truth, honesty, justice, purity, beauty and encouraging statements we have already considered from Philippians 4:8.

How do we incorporate virtue into our thinking?  This may sound simplistic, but the answer is, “Be Like Jesus.”  A book entitled In His Steps by Robert Shelton asks the question, “What would Jesus do?”  When we find ourselves in a situation that requires us to respond to an event, action or statement, we need to ask ourselves that question.  How would Jesus respond?  Then we need to respond in the same manner.

When Jesus encountered people, He always made sure He understood what their needs were.  Many times those needs were for deliverance from illnesses or from demonic possession.  Other times those needs included guidance on how to do things like pray, how to treat our neighbors or how to have a relationship with God.  Perhaps we should ask for wisdom to be able to discern the needs of others before we react to their words or deeds.

Here’s something to think about—Have you ever noticed that Jesus didn’t argue with people who disagreed with what He was doing?  He pointed out sinful behavior, but He didn’t argue if an action was sinful or not.  He established a higher standard for conduct than the Law Moses had delivered from God, but He did not debate the value of the higher standard.  

Allow me to give an example of what I’m saying.  Jesus told the people that the law said don’t commit murder, but He said don’t even hate someone; the law said don’t commit adultery, but Jesus said don’t even lust after another person; the law said to hate your enemies, but Jesus said to pray for your enemies.  Jesus placed emphasis on changing lifestyles by changing what was in our hearts, not by living according to a strict set of physical actions.  He knew that living in virtue came from the heart, not from words written on stone or paper.  If we want to think about virtue, think about how Jesus lived and related to people.

Praise—commendation, expression of approval, celebration

That word praise must be pretty important to God.  It appears at least 259 times in 31 books of the Bible.  We talked last week about saying encouraging things to people.  And praise does include giving credit and commendation to people to whom credit is due.

When it comes to our lifestyle and relationship to God, praise goes much further than simply encouragement.  Praise is designed to give glory, honor and majesty to God.  It gives us a way to express our respect for God and to demonstrate that we recognize His supremacy in all things in the heavens and on earth.  Through praise we are able to let God know that we regard Him as the source of all blessings.

And it is through praises that we gain spiritual strength to be able to enjoy the good days and to overcome in the bad days.  Praises lift our spirits so we can focus on the source of refuge when we are in trying times.  Praises fill our spiritual batteries so that, when we fall under persecution or temptation, we are able to have the spiritual energy we need to endure and keep our faith in God.

A life without praise to God is a life that becomes powerless and self-centered.  A life without praises given to our creator and Lord is a life without encouragement from the throne in heaven.  When we praise God, He encourages us.  

So think about ways to praise God.  Praise is not isolated to singing during a worship service.  Giving thanks to God for help and strength praises Him.  Working at our jobs as if we are working for God gives praise to Him.  Helping someone in need and giving God the credit for being able to help praises Him.  Living in virtue is a lifestyle choice, and living with praise to God is a lifestyle choice, too.

Ask yourself how your life can bring glory to Jesus.  Ask yourself how you can let others know just how important the Holy Spirit is in your daily existence.  Ask yourself how you can give the Father in heaven honor.  Think about praising God.  Then actually praise Him.