One of my favorite passages in Scripture comes from the pen of the apostle Paul. To the brethren in Philippi he wrote,

“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.” (Phil. 4:8)

Daily, I run into a lot of struggles. One of my biggest struggles is with negativity. You see, I have known for a long time that if I am around negative people, I will become extremely biting and negative. If I am around rude people, I will inherently become rude. If I am around people who make fun of others, sadly, I will jump right into that trap Satan has laid before me. That is why this verse is so powerful to me. Here, Paul tells me exactly what I need to mediate on. He tells me the exact things that I need to put in my head, that way those things come out in my day to day interactions.

Today I want to begin a series of things to meditate on, going in reverse order from the verse. So today, we start with something praiseworthy.

As you are probably aware, I am married to a gospel preacher. When I met Robert, he was already involved in a full-time work, and was doing amazing things on the campus of Freed-Hardman. From the moment I met him, became friends with him, and ultimately starting dating him, my world was turned upside down. He wasn’t (and isn’t) negative; instead he was (and is) encouraging and supportive and challenging. And, because of his influence, I feel that my life is far less negative, and that now I am more of a person who is positive, encouraging, and supportive–because he’s taught me to be that way.

My husband is one of the smartest, sweetest, hardest working people I have ever met. Of all the people I know, he is someone who is most definitely praiseworthy. He does so many things—for me, for others, for the Lord’s kingdom—and I couldn’t be any prouder of him than I am.

Sometimes, in a marriage, it’s so easy to get down on your spouse. If you and your spouse are anything like Robert and me, you spend a lot of time together. At times, it can be easy to let your guard down, and Satan slip in there and tempt you with a biting remark or negative tone. I know that I fail so many times daily when it comes to being the kind of wife I need to be, and that is why I need to spend more of my time thinking on the praiseworthy characteristics my husband possesses…and there are so many!

Today, do your best to think on the praiseworthy characteristics of your spouse, your family members, your co-workers, and that one person that drives you the maddest. If you meditate on the qualities that are worthy of praise, their quirks and annoyances may not drive you to sinning toward them, in word or attitude.