Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

The Greek word for “praiseworthy” is epainos and is only used eleven times in the New Testament. It denotes admiration, approval, and/or recognition. Most commonly it is used to describe praise from men to God, but also from God to men (1 Cor 4:5) as well as from men to men (Romans 13:3). An easy way to think of it’s application is via applause.

So…what do you applaud?

When your favorite team wins? When your least favorite team loses? When you friends succeed? When your enemies fail? When you candidate wins? Any time the other party loses? When your favorite contestant becomes the next “Idol” or “Got Talent” winner? Pay attention the next time you are moved to applaud…and then consider it’s worth in light of eternal things.

I like the picture that Luke 15:7 paints on this one:

In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

It’s OK to applaud fun things and victories and friends and family…but let’s not forget to applaud those things that God applauds like faithfulness, fruitfulness, and salvation.