Thinking Affects Everything: Noble 2

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "noble". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Noble.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.  Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:10-15

Noble: attractively good; good that inspires (motivates) others to embrace what is lovely (beautiful, praiseworthy); i.e. well done so as to be winsome (appealing). (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Good: inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith; upright honorable. (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Thinking pondering on things that are true and noble, will open my heart to hearing and obeying God's word resulting in godly conduct—both in attitude and actions. 

Thinking affect everything—so how will I respond? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Noble

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "noble". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Noble.

Noble: regard with great respect; revered for character, personally esteem; to hold something (someone) in high respect; showing the reverenceor awe (veneration) of someone who is devout.

Noble: honest, honorable, modest, moral, on the up and up, reserved, trustworthy, unblemished, undefiled, upright, virtuous, worthy

As I have been thinking about what is "noble", I couldn't help but think of people I respect. That led me to thinking of who are considered "heroes" in our World today. Who do we, as a Nation, hold in high regard? 

Sadly, all to often the people we honor are not noble, or worthy of our respect and admiration.  What makes one or something worthy to be called "noble"? Remember, we are not to be setting the standards for what is honorable, noble. Rather, we are to be using God's standard. 

Noble. If I am to be thinking on, pondering things that are noble, then I must stop to really consider what nobility is—not defined by the world's standard, but God's. 

Great respect. Revered for character. 

Who do I respect? Who is revered for character? 

As I think about those two questions, I have to keep in mind the first item in Philippians 4:8—True. For one isn't noble, without truth. 

Noble. Honorable. Trustworthy. 

As I thought about Noble, Jonathan came to mind. You can read about Jonathan, Saul's son, who befriended David in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. 

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:3

Noble. Honorable. Trustworthy. Who/what am I thinking about? 

And am I living a noble, honorable, trustworthy life? Thinking about it, should then change my thoughts, my attitude, and my actions. 

Thinking affect everything—so how will I respond? 

Character

Ruth 3:4-18

Ruth did as she was instructed by Naomi. 

I love the description in verse 8 about when Boaz woke up. We've all had those nights when something (we aren't quite sure what) wakes us up out of a sound sleep. Boaz wakes up and turns... something woke him up—and then he realizes there is someone lying at his feet. That would get anyone heart pumping fast! 

When Ruth told Boaz who she was, responded graciously. He was kind, compassionate, and continued to look out for Ruth, because she as "a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability)." Another translation, calls Ruth, "worthy; noble". 

We see Ruth's character from the beginning of this book all the way through. When it came time to make the tough choices, Ruth made the "right ones" no matter how difficult it would prove to be. Ruth was a lady of integrity, moral character, and humility. She worked hard to support her and Naomi. And she listened to and honored Naomi, in her actions and obedience. 

Boaz sent Ruth back home, to wait his further instructions. But he did not send her away empty handed. He provided food for her and Naomi. 

Ruth returned home and told Namoi all that had happened. Now they just had to wait. 

As I read these verses this morning. My attention was drawn to verse 11 and what Boaz said about Ruth. "You are a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability)." 

How would others describe me? What do my actions, attitude, and words speak of me? 

Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all. Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

Proverbs 31:28-30 (AMP)

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), that should be reflected in my life—with the strength of character and steadfast in goodness.