Read Philippians 4:8

I have always admired Bart Starr, the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers who won Super Bowl I and II. He was a gentleman and a Christian and I admired the way he lived his life.

The Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award is given annually at the Super Bowl Breakfast to a National Football League (NFL) player who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community.” The award, bearing the name of the Hall of Fame quarterback, honors his lifelong commitment to serving as a positive role model to his family, teammates, and community.

To admire means to regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval. It is to have a high opinion of and to respect. Have you considered what you admire?

What we decide to put into our minds is important. It comes back out in our words and actions. You know – TV, internet, conversation, books, magazines and movies. Make sure it is admirable. Would your spouse or other good friend be OK with what you think about?

Replace impure thoughts with the admirable and wholesome. This is a big challenge and something to work on every day.

Most importantly, read God‘s word and pray about this subject as well as for the needs of others every day.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

Focus on God’s good gifts so your life can be exemplary (which means deserving imitation, commendable, to deserve imitation because of excellence).

Do you have a role model – someone you hold in high regard and respect? Are you serving as a model? You can be a blessing to people with your life. By living an exemplary life, you can turn other people’s lives around by example. Be a model of positive influence. That can start by thinking about and focusing on what is admirable.

People can be a model of negative influence. Ask yourself:  what kind of life am I living? Is it a life that will cause people to be negative?

To live an exemplary life, it is important to try to do the right thing. Can you do that without Jesus Christ? I do not think so. He must be the driver in your life. When that happens, people notice! Jesus will help you live an exemplary life. This may involve letting go of some things, but Jesus said that “with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26b).

Embrace hard work and excellence. Focus on what is admirable and pure.

What are you doing in your life that helps you think about what is admirable? Is someone holding you accountable?

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

The biblical model in 1 Timothy is to have a mentor and be a mentor.

The only person to truly admire is Jesus Christ. He is perfect and He is the son of God. The challenge is to emulate what He did when He was here on earth and live the way He said to live.

What did Jesus admire?

Tom Weckesser