Practicing Hesed (3): More Than Worthy
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8
Honorable – “Tonight we honor this man,” says the emcee. “He is an outstanding member of the community, a respected businessman, a fine father and husband.” Everyone applauds. Everyone except the old man in the worn robe standing at the back of the auditorium. He has a keen ear despite his age. He knows that the emcee used the wrong Greek word. Under his breath he says, “He should have used timé, not semnos.”
That’s the trouble with this translation. We don’t see that the Greek is semnos. We think that all “honor” is the same. But the “honor” due outstanding human beings is not what Paul has in mind. Semnos comes from the word sebomai. It means, “to worship.” When Paul instructs us to dwell on whatever is honorable, he means to think deeply about what is worthy of worship, not what is respectable, noteworthy or outstanding. Timé is honor due men. Semnos belongs to God.
How much do you think about the worthiness of God? How often do you contemplate His majesty, power, glory and holiness? Do you suppose that the mental structure of your life would be subtly altered if you spent more time just meditating on who God is?
You might find it less frightening to face the trials of your day if you knew the character of God. You might discover a deeper satisfaction with life if you knew His intricate care. You might be amazed at the engineered purposes of your actions if you knew His plan. You might experience a greater sense of joy if you knew His compassion. You might find that all breathing is worthwhile if you understood His majesty? You might find a new energy for purity if you knew His holiness.
Who knows what else you might discover about life and liberty if you thought more about semnos – worthy of worship?
Whatever is semnos is adequate fuel for thought. Is that what you think about?
