Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - A Good Report

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8  

Different versions account for this to be anything of good report or commendable, thus it is admirable. The word here is also another of Paul’s unique words that he compounded for emphasis – euphemos.  (Ironically it is pronounced “you famous,” with a slight accent on the last syllable.)

“Eu” – to fare well or prosper; to act well.  This word is used in all the “well done” verses in the New Testament.

“Phemos” – fame, report, as in notoriety:  “is of good repute.”  

Used this way, this compound word is an expression of a forthcoming good omen – being expectantly positive.  The value of such good news was based on whether it was well-received, well-served or well done.  The expectations of Jesus’ miracles made for “good report.”  It drew people to him because they needed this good news in their lives. They needed hope.  They needed possibilities.

Jesus’ news, His Good News, is still noteworthy today.  It offers hope where it is needed most.  It offers possibilities that contradict the offerings of the world.  This kind of “report” or news is the opposite of most of the news of our day.

We expect bad news whenever we turn on the television.  Constant bad news creates a culture of catastrophe which, because of hopelessness and diminishing possibilities, immobilizes us.  A culture of bad news keeps us from activity and moving forward.  It sidelines us instead of leading us onto the playing field. 

Where do you find admirable things to contemplate?

Should we have more praises than prayer requests?

Do we prefer bad news?

We are to bring to reckoning, take an account of admirable things.  It will take some work to do so.  We may have to do our own investigative reporting on places of hope.  We may need to bring to light those events in our area and in our lives that demonstrate where good is extolled, where possibilities exist and where opportunities are grown.  

Display this good news!

[Ref:  Matt 9:26, Luke 4:14]