Live Like the King (Part 2)

We are discussing how to live like the King based on Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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.” If you haven’t read the first part, you may want to read it first.

Think about whatever is pure.

Throughout His Word Jesus has spelled out His standards for purity by defining various kinds of impurity. He told His disciples in John 15:3: “You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.”  Hebrews 4:12 states: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart,” and 2 Corinthians 7:1 states: “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

It appears that purity in thought and action is important to God, which is why Satan does everything within his ability to tempt us to get involved with impure activities and thoughts. “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God,” (Ephesians 5:5). Oops!

Therefore you need to examine yourself to see whether there is any impurity in you (Psalm 139:23-24). You need “to offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2). And do not forget Hebrews 12:1-2.

Think about whatever is lovely.

I don’t need to tell you that the majority of news we receive through the media is negative, destructive, and disturbing. The general tendency these days in the entertainment media is to portray the vile areas of life – violence, lust, gruesomeness, weirdness, and so on. To me these are not lovely. How about you – what do you think? So what are lovely things we can think about?

The lovely things in life bring us joy, fulfilment, laughter, and peace. They do not disturb the spirit, are soothing to the eye and ear, and produce good and long-lasting memories. They make the heart beat faster.

What are the lovely things in your life? To each person they will be different. To start with, the fruit of the Spirit is lovely – love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). But ordinary things in life such as sounds of nature, music, images, relationships, good works, and so on are also meant to be lovely. Satan uses people and media to pervert everything. It’s your choice as to what will fill your mind.

Think about whatever is commendable (admirable).

If you reflect on your behaviour in general; your actions and habits, are they something to be proud of, or do you feel ashamed of them? Satan, in cooperation with your sinful nature is an expert in getting you to justify despicable behaviour as being right. You do this because your sinful nature enjoys it. Since it is unacceptable by society and especially by Christian society, you usually do it in secret, don’t you.

At the time of doing it, it does not feel wrong because it is so enjoyable, but afterwards you don’t feel good about it. You actually feel quite bad and repent frantically. What people will think of you, should they know about it, bothers you. In the meantime the Lord knew of it all along.

Living like the King always has peace and self-respect as a result. If you test your anticipated action as to whether it will be admirable or commendable by God and people of God, it will be easier to resist behaviour unacceptable to God.

Act with excellence, which is worthy of praise.

In the first part of our message we discussed the requirement that a king should actually be an example to his subjects. Jesus was such a King. Everything He did was done with excellence. Living like Him would mean no second-grade work or behaviour. You should always give your best in everything you do and be proud of your effort. Plan it properly, research it thoroughly, execute it excellently, and do it with pride. Do not compare your excellence with those of others. We all have our abilities. As long as you have done your best, it is considered as excellent. At all times be aware that the Lord is looking on. “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23 AMPC).

Lord, help me to develop habits that would have me live like you, the King.