In 2025, a Glasgow bus driver made headlines after a video surfaced showing him stopping his route.
He did it to comfort a sobbing passenger. Instead of ignoring the disruption, he offered kind words and tissues, then apologised to the rest of the passengers for the delay. The video went viral, not for drama but for decency. Commenters called it “admirable”—a word that seems rare in our age of outrage and cynicism. Paul’s call in Philippians 4:8 to dwell on “whatever is admirable” is more relevant than ever, inviting us to fix our minds on what uplifts, inspires, and is worthy of respect.
Think On Whatever is Admirable – What Does Paul Mean?
The Greek term euphemos appears only once in Scripture, carrying profound significance. Derived from eu (good) and pheme (report or reputation), it describes actions and character "well-spoken of" or "commendable" by godly standards. Unlike worldly fame built on self-promotion, biblical admirability emerges from consistent alignment with God's character. Paul's instruction to think on euphemos isn't about seeking human applause—it's about cultivating lives so marked by integrity that even unbelievers acknowledge God's transforming work.
This concept connects deeply with the "fear of the Lord"—both involve reverence, respect, and awareness of divine magnificence. When we think admirably, we choose words and actions with cautious reserve, knowing they reflect on Christ's name. As Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34)—admirable thoughts produce admirable testimonies.
Jesus: Admire the Admirable
Christ's ministry overflowed with euphēmos—admirable words that elevated the downtrodden and challenged the proud. When a sinful woman anointed His feet, the Pharisees muttered criticism, but Jesus declared, "She has done a beautiful thing" (Mark 14:6). His encounter with Zacchaeus demonstrates this perfectly: while crowds saw a corrupt tax collector, Jesus saw potential for transformation, saying, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9).
Even Jesus' confrontations carried a redemptive purpose. His rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23, though sharp, aimed at freeing people from religious bondage rather than mere condemnation. Jesus saw image-bearers consistently speaking words that revealed people's true worth and potential.
The Samaritan woman at the well experienced this transformative speech firsthand. Rather than condemning her complicated past, Jesus engaged her as a theological equal, offering living water and revealing Himself as Messiah (John 4:7-26). His admirable approach—truthful yet gracious—turned a chance encounter into a revival that reached her entire village.
The Early Church: Carrying on the Admirable Example
The apostolic community understood that their corporate witness depended on individual admirability. When selecting deacons, they chose men "of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" (Acts 6:3). Paul instructed Timothy that church leaders must have "a good reputation with outsiders" (1 Timothy 3:7)—their character had to be admirable even to unbelievers.
This standard shaped their communal life. Acts 4:32-37 describes their radical generosity: "Not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them".
Barnabas exemplified this admirability by selling land and donating the proceeds, earning the nickname "Son of Encouragement". Their economic sharing was spontaneous love that made outsiders exclaim, "See how they love one another!"
Even under persecution, their admirability shone. They responded to beatings with prayer, imprisonment with worship, and death threats with continued preaching. Their consistent character in crisis earned grudging respect from opponents and drew thousands to faith.
Application
Here are some practical steps to consider applying at this stage:
- Practice Redemptive Confrontation: Jesus' model shows that admirable speech doesn't avoid difficult conversations but approaches them redemptively. When correction is needed, we can follow His pattern: speak truth in love, focus on restoration rather than punishment, and maintain the person's dignity even while addressing their actions.
- Speak Life in Hidden Moments: Admirable speech often thrives in unseen spaces. A manager praising an employee's effort privately, a parent apologising to a child, or a friend defending someone's reputation—these "small" acts shape character and culture. Our words can be tools of refinement rather than weapons of destruction.
- Community Credibility: Paul urged believers to be "above reproach" in their neighbourhoods (1 Timothy 3:2). Modern applications include treating service workers kindly and being known for reliability. A mechanic who refuses to overcharge, a teacher who stays late to help struggling students, or a neighbour who genuinely cares—these quiet consistencies build admirable reputations.
- Celebrate the Good in Others: Rather than focusing on flaws or failures, look for what is admirable in those around you. Publicly acknowledge acts of kindness, integrity, or courage. Paul himself often commended believers for their faith and love, reinforcing a culture of encouragement (Romans 16:1–2).
- Live a Life Worthy of Respect: Let your actions be worthy of imitation. Whether it’s honesty in business, faithfulness in relationships, or generosity toward those in need, aim to be someone whose life is “of good report.” Even small acts—like the Glasgow bus driver’s compassion—can ripple far beyond what you imagine
Paul's vision for the church is that it’s so marked by euphemos that they become an irresistible advertisement for the Gospel. In a world cynical about religious claims, let's be the ones whose lives back up our words. Let's choose admirable thoughts that produce admirable actions, creating reputations that honour Christ and draw others to His transforming grace. As we dwell on "whatever is admirable," we become living testimonies to God.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Next Steps
Reflect: When you think about what is admirable, what images, thoughts and words come to your mind? How has the definition of the word helped shape those thoughts?
Pray: Father, thank You for so many examples in Your Word of people living in such a way that it showed You in a good light and spread a good reputation. Help us by Your Spirit to live the kind of life that also enables others to admire us and glorify You.
Act: Consider those in your sphere of influence and think of how you can bless them so that they’ll admire not just your actions but also be interested in their source.
