In 2023, a video of a high school graduation ceremony in Birmingham went viral, revealing an unexpected occurrence.
As the principal read the name of Marcus Thompson—a student who had overcome homelessness, worked two jobs, and still graduated with honours—the entire auditorium erupted in spontaneous applause that lasted nearly five minutes. Teachers wept, parents cheered, and even the stoic school board members stood. What made this moment so powerful wasn't just Marcus's achievement, but the collective recognition that something truly praiseworthy had occurred.
This moment revealed our deep hunger for authentic excellence worthy of genuine praise. The Apostle Paul understood this longing when he urged believers to dwell on "whatever is praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8)—not fleeting human acclaim, but the enduring excellence that reflects God's own character.
Think On Whatever is Praiseworthy – What Does Paul Mean?
The Greek term Paul uses for "praiseworthy" is epainos (ἔπαινος), which carries profound theological weight. Unlike superficial compliments or manufactured celebrity, epainos refers to "the recognition that the community gives the righteous, but especially God's approval". This isn't about human applause but divine vindication—excellence so authentic it naturally generates praise from both earth and heaven.
The word encompasses "praise, approval" with the understanding that "only God's approval counts, not public acclaim". What makes something truly praiseworthy isn't popular opinion but alignment with God's perfect standards.
Jesus: Reflecting and Revealing the Praiseworthy
Christ's ministry demonstrated a perfect epainos perspective. He consistently noticed and commended what others overlooked. When a poor widow gave her last two coins, Jesus didn't focus on the wealthy donors' large gifts but praised her sacrificial heart: "This poor widow put in more than all the others" (Luke 21:3). He saw praiseworthy faith in a Roman centurion that amazed Him (Matthew 8:10), and He commended Mary of Bethany's devotion when others criticised her "waste" of expensive perfume (Mark 14:6-9).
Jesus demonstrated praiseworthy character through multiple dimensions. His compassion moved Him to heal the sick and comfort the broken. His humility led Him to wash His disciples' feet and associate with society's outcasts. His forgiveness extended even to those who crucified Him, praying "Father, forgive them" from the cross (Luke 23:34). Each action was so consistently excellent that even His enemies acknowledged His integrity, admitting "Teacher, we know that you are true" (Mark 12:14).
Jesus' approach was revolutionary—He looked for the praiseworthy in society's margins. He celebrated the faith of a Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28), the honesty of Nathanael (John 1:47), and the generosity of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8-9). His ability to see and affirm what was genuinely commendable transformed lives and communities.
The Early Church: Pursuing, Proclaiming, and Practising the Praiseworthy
The apostolic community understood that their collective reputation would either advance or hinder the Gospel. Luke records that the Jerusalem believers "were having favour with all the people" while experiencing dramatic growth (Acts 2:47). Their praiseworthy character wasn't accidental—it flowed from radical generosity, authentic community, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Paul modelled this mindset in his letters, consistently highlighting praiseworthy qualities in struggling churches. To the Thessalonians, he wrote: "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers" (1 Thessalonians 1:2). Even when addressing problems, he began by recognising what was commendable, creating an atmosphere where growth could flourish.
Their praiseworthy nature manifested in practical ways: they shared possessions with those in need (Acts 4:32-35), cared for widows and orphans (Acts 6:1-7), and maintained such integrity that even persecution couldn't diminish their witness.
Application
Here are some practical steps to consider applying at this stage:
- God’s Approval Above All: True praiseworthiness emerges from seeking God's commendation rather than popular acclaim. This means pursuing excellence in unseen moments—integrity in business dealings, kindness to difficult people, and faithfulness in small responsibilities. As Jesus taught, our Father who sees in secret will reward openly (Matthew 6:4).
- Cultivate Gratitude and Recognition: Reflecting on what is praiseworthy involves actively seeking God's goodness in daily life. This might mean thanking God for a colleague's helpfulness, recognising a neighbour's generosity, or celebrating small victories in our children's character development. Gratitude naturally aligns our minds with praiseworthy things.
- Celebrate God's Praiseworthy Character: The foundation of praiseworthy thinking is recognising God's attributes and actions. As Psalm 145:3 declares: "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable". Begin each day by acknowledging something praiseworthy about God—His faithfulness, provision, or unchanging love. This practice anchors our perspective in eternal truth rather than temporary circumstances.
- Look for Hidden Excellence: Jesus consistently found praiseworthy qualities in unlikely people. Similarly, we can train ourselves to notice commendable actions in colleagues, family members, and even public figures we might typically criticise. This doesn't mean ignoring what is wrong, but choosing to highlight what is right when it appears.
- Speak Commendation to Others: The early church's encouragement created an environment where people flourished. Practice Paul's model of beginning conversations with affirmation. Tell a coworker you appreciate their diligence, thank a service worker for their patience, or text a friend about a character quality you admire in them.
The call to think on "whatever is praiseworthy" invites us into the timeless work of pursuing excellence that honours God and blesses others, not for our own glory, but for the One whose praiseworthy deeds deserve eternal recognition—the One whose excellence will endure when all earthly fame fades into forgotten memory.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Next Steps
Reflect: When you consider the praiseworthy, what five events or memories spring to mind?
Pray: We praise you, glorious Father of all creation. You have done great things, you are doing great things, and greater is to come from you. Help our thoughts to be filled with these truths and let that propel us to recognise that which draws praise to you and put that in practice for your glory, Lord.
Act: For every opportunity you have to criticise, grumble or complain, make an active note verbally or otherwise of a reason to praise God for something He’s done worthy of praise.
