Text: Philippians 4:4-9
Memory Verse: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy —meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
As human beings, we are created as relational beings and we relate with people at all levels – our spouses, children, colleagues, neighbours, brethren, relatives, in-laws etc. Some people are however so critical that they hardly see anything good or worthy in people and things they relate with. Excellence is defined as having to do with distinction, quality or merit, so in Philippians 4, Paul says if there is anything of distinction, quality and merit in people and things we relate with, we should think continually on them. It’s significant that he used the word “if”. In essence, “If there is any excellence”, i.e., he says you have to look for the good in people and things.
You must learn to look for the good in others and in situations. It is so easy to focus on all the flaws in your loved ones or a negative situation. However, you have to look past all the wrongs and see the good things in your life, in others, and situations and be grateful to God (Romans 12:10). Do not take the people God has given you to love for granted (Proverbs 11:27). They may not be perfect, but none of us is. Some people would love to have some of these things (a spouse, children, a workplace, a home, etc) that we do not cherish or appreciate, but they do not. So look for excellence in people and things, and then focus more on it.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, help me to look for and recognise the excellence in and appreciate the people You’ve given me to love and enjoy.
2. Lord, open my eyes to the amazing things in people and situations and to find joy in them.