Daily Inspiration 7-3-13

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true,

whatever is honorable, whatever is just,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things."

 

-- Philippians 4:8, The Bible, ESV

I was thinking about the phrase 'worthy to be praised' this morning, and it struck me that you are worthy to be praised. Yes, YOU! And, so am I. We are all worthy of praise. We may, more often than not, receive very little of it, but worthy we are and worthy we will be.

In my favorite verse in The Bible above, it ends with the suggestion that we think on these things. I totally get how valuable that is. What it could also have said and wasn't is that to express that praise is even more powerful, yet we often don't.

With influences all around us looking not for what is right, good, lovely, but instead seek what is wrong, must be improved, who's to blame and much more, it can be difficult to live in a world of praise. However, I will tell you that this single idea of praising, being outwardly thankful, is the most important lesson I have ever learned. It has served and continues to serve me very, very well.

Having been on a worship team at church, it is a common theme that only God is worthy to be praised. In my opinion, that is just not true. You are worthy to be praised. We are all worthy to be praised. And, to take that just a notch further, we are worthy to praise.

So, I recommend trying it out. Don't take my word for it. Test me. Take a day. Any day. Now find people to praise and think about that, but the most important thing is to DO something by praising them aloud, in writing, to them directly. In other words, for this one day, demonstrate that they are worthy to be praised by praising them. Notice how it causes you to feel. Notice how good you feel inside. Notice how it causes them to feel.

Praise God as well. Truly, when you are praising your fellow human being, you ARE praising God. It's called LOVE. Praise everything around you. Be thankful for the sky, the air, the trees, your car, air conditioning, heaters, super markets, your pet, your children, your neighbors, your boss, and never, ever, forget yourself. In fact, you might start right there: praise yourself because you are worthy to be praised.


"Praise From The Praise-Worthy Is Beyond All Rewards." -- J.R.R. Tolkien

Spread Some Joy Today--Yes. Today.