This is in the "Other Thoughts" section of the upcoming Weekly Barden.
“That ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (KJV; emphasis mine)There wasn’t really anything wrong with what I’d wrote before but I could not call it excellent. (I possibly still can’t.) And of course, being human and imperfect, my writing will never be truly excellent. I don’t plan to stop writing just because it doesn’t meet that standard, but there is always room for improvement.
The thing that really got me was this little train of thought: God doesn’t need to prove why something is wrong; we need to prove how or why it is excellent. If we cannot, then it is not good enough. Does that make sense?
What does excellent mean in verse 10? In the Strong’s concordance, it is number 1308, diaphero. It is that which is different, set apart, of more value.
My thoughts in my writing had been around different publications that supposedly are for “Christian” enlightenment. I read a lot of articles, posts, and some print magazines, and am searching for another good print magazine to subscribe. It’s difficult to find something that is excellent. I read things that are by Christians and non-Christians alike; things that are specifically labelled Christian and things that are specifically labelled secular.
Verse 10 says that ye may approve things that are excellent. It is important (I think) to look back to verse 9, which says Paul prays the Philippians’ love abound in knowledge and judgment. When we reach that point, {is it only when we reach that point?} then we will be able to approve things which are excellent.
I agree. It's hard to find things that are "excellent." And I'm always convicted that I might not be thinking on what is excellent. Good reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leah, for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am glad you found this to be a good reminder. For me, it seems it is very easy to settle for less than when it comes to "things that are excellent." I was very convicted on Wednesday night!
DeleteIn the NWT it reads: (Philippians 1:9-11) 9:And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; 10: that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ; 11: and that you may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise.
ReplyDeleteWhat Is More Important? (excellent)
If we are making sure of the more important things, we will be having an active share in the work of spiritual healing. It is accomplished by preaching and teaching the Word of God. This joyful activity benefits us and those whom we teach. (Prov. 17:22; 1 Tim. 4:15, 16)
Recall that the apostle Paul urged Christians in the local congregation in Philippi, Macedonia: “This is what I continue praying, that [you] may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise.” That would include their speaking to others, to outsiders, about their faith in Jesus and their wonderful hope. (Philippians 1:9-11; 3:8-11) Accordingly, Paul urged fellow Christians: “Through [Jesus] let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.”—Hebrews 13:15.
Subscribe to the Watchtower and Awake magazines... even if you do not 'believe' exactly as Witnesses do, their publications are read by many all over the world of different beliefs and would be (and are) considered 'excellent'. Just food for thought Blossom. Just tell a Witness that you would like to get the magazines regular... they will be very diligent and make sure you get them. Preaching God's word is what their life is about... serving God to the full.