How can we "approve what is excellent" in our daily decisions? The Heart of the Passage “so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10). What “Approve What Is Excellent” Means • “Discerning what is best” carries the idea of testing, examining, and then embracing what passes the test. • The goal reaches beyond simply spotting sin; it urges an enthusiastic endorsement of what most honors Christ and promotes purity. • Excellence is measured by Scripture, never personal preference. Foundation for Discernment • Verse 9 provides the groundwork: “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight.” • Love fuels the desire to choose well; knowledge and insight provide the data and framework. • A heart that loves God and people seeks decisions that bless both. Daily Steps Toward Approving the Excellent 1. Saturate the mind with Scripture. – Consistent reading stores God’s thoughts for automatic recall (Psalm 119:11). 2. Cultivate Spirit-led sensitivity. – A yielded heart hears promptings aligning with the Word (Galatians 5:16). 3. Evaluate motives honestly. – Hidden pride or fear distorts judgment (James 3:14-17). 4. Compare options with Christ’s character. – Whatever mirrors His holiness, humility, and love rises to the top. 5. Seek wise counsel when needed. – “Plans succeed through abundant counsel” (Proverbs 15:22). 6. Act promptly once excellence is clear. – Delayed obedience risks compromise (James 4:17). Supporting Scriptures • Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 – “but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” • Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Practical Areas for Excellence-Focused Choices • Time management – choosing activities that advance God’s purposes over mere busyness. • Finances – spending and giving that reflect eternal priorities rather than impulse. • Entertainment – selecting media that cultivates purity, not compromise. • Relationships – investing in friendships that stir faith and holiness. • Speech – favoring words that build up and convey grace (Ephesians 4:29). Marks of a Life Approving the Excellent • Increasing clarity between what is merely acceptable and what is truly best. • Growing freedom from regret because decisions align with God’s standards. • Noticeable purity and blamelessness, preparing for “the day of Christ.” • Deepening joy, since excellence embraced leads to fruitful living (John 15:11). Summary By filling the heart with love, the mind with Scripture, and the will with yielded obedience, each daily choice can be sifted so that only the excellent remains, bringing honor to Christ and peace to the conscience. |
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