Honorable

We have my parents’ puppy/teen dog while my dad is in the rehabilitation and the response from our elder stateswoman (Starburst) and feline company have been enjoyable. We have had many laughs as this little dog tries to figure where he fits here. Tests the limits, boundaries yet also has so much energy that he runs up and down the hallway over and over and over.

Starburst has really tried to help Archie. She models playing with toys. Walking alongside me. Taking quality naps (we’ve decided Archie doesn’t like naps.) To set an example, but Archie is kinda like a firecracker, ready to go off at any moment.

Makes me, in a small way, think of the next word on Paul’s list of practical counsel found in Philippians 4:8.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Philippians 4:8 NASB1995

Let’s first define the word, hon

Grave (semnos)RV, “honorable” (marg., “reverend”), AV, “honest.” Trench (Syn. xcii) points out that “grave” and “gravity” fail to cover the full meaning of their original; “the word we want is one in which the sense of gravity and dignity is combined.” Cremer describes it as denoting what inspires reverence and awe, and says that semnos and hosios, “holy, consecrated,” are only secondary designations of the conception of holiness. “The word points to seriousness of purpose and to self-respect in conduct” (Moule). Cp. semnotes, “gravity” (see below).

Vine’s Expository Dictionary

I read that definition and my mind begins to wander a wee bit. When Paul tells us to think honorably, as we see in this definition, he means that our thought life is even more important than our words. Holy, consecrated thought life. It begins with this thought I’m having now, and every thought to come. It also allows a question to stop and query, where are my thoughts right now?

If I really think about it, (see what I did there? Haha) literally just put the pause on the ridiculous thoughts, what my mind focuses on tends to come out in my behavior and even in conversations. this verse is a checklist!

Cara, is what you are thinking right now true? Honorable? That’s enough for me today. It’s a good question to start my day and it’s a good question throughout my day.

Let’s look where it is also used in Scripture. Used three other times only. In 1 Timothy 3:8, 1 Timothy 3:11, both are describing the deacons of the church, men and women. Though, I’m sure there is much debate, so I will give you a quote from Moody Bible Commentary.

“Women (v. 11) may refer either to deacons’ wives or to women who served as deacons, but likewise suggests that Paul is speaking of “female deacons” or what we might call “deaconesses.” It would be unusual to give the requirements of deacons’ wives, but not elders’. Some think Phoebe functioned as a female deacon in this capacity in the church of Rome (Rm 16:1). Deacons must meet the same standard of moral purity and family leadership as overseers (v. 12; see vv. 2 and 4). Although the deacon’s role is a humble one, those who serve capably gain high standing and great confidence (v. 13). This echoes Jesus’ admonition to His disciples that the highest rank in the kingdom belongs to the one who serves (Mt 23:11; Lk 22:26-27).”

Michael Rydelnik, Michael Vanlaningham, et al. The Moody Bible Commentary

Let me quote these passages.

“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬, ‭11‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

1 Timothy 3:8, 11 NASB1995

Men of dignity, be dignified. In Philippians 4, we are directed to dwell, think on these things. Here in 1 Timothy it is reflected in our behavior, our actions. So what the heart dwells upon impacts my life.

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.”

Proverbs 23:7 NASB1995

“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand. What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.”

Proverbs 19:20-23 NASB1995

I finish this with another story. My parents’ dog has brought activity for starburst, my dog. He is showing her how to play again. And they played for almost an hour last night. Granted, she would lay down sometimes. What joy this brought my heart. She realizes in dog language, that she can play and she can jump, just a little.

I realize that my thought life directly impacts my movement, my pain. Just like Archie is teaching Starburst to have fun again, when I recall words of life, then I am calmer, I am reflective, i breathe differently. I’ve been memorizing, but really what I am cultivating is meditation. I’m not that great at memorizing, but I realize I am repeating Scripture over and over. This changes me. Listening to the words of counsel from Jesus in Sermon of the Mount moves me.

Moses turned to look at the burning bush. He chose to respond. I chose words of life and I chose Christ.