What is admirable?
The Free Dictionary defines admire:
To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.
To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect.
To regard with esteem, respect, approval, or pleased surprise.
When was the last time you expressed those emotions for the things of God?
As a society, we are drawing farther and farther away from a biblical worldview. Even Christians are too much in the world and compromise.
We regard with pleasure: food, flowers, jokes, entertainment.
We esteem: celebrities, leaders, idols, rich people
We approve: too much of the world.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
There’s nothing wrong with regarding things with pleasure. I admire a great meal, flowers, a waterfall, a keen wit.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1
We should respect worldly leaders, if only for their position of power. But they are not above God.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:13-17
We should not be too much in the world. If we are truly Christ followers, we will want less and less of the world and more and more of Him.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
What do you want your children to admire? Do you want them to equate Jesus with celebrities? Do you want them to be fans…or followers?
[…] Admirable […]