This post was last updated on January 13, 2026

Day 318, Year 1

Approving the Excellent In Order To Be Sincere

… “So that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:10 NASB)

One of the most important things for believers to learn about sincerity is to distinguish between right and wrong, excellent and awful, so that we can embrace God’s goodness and excellence. The word “approve” in Greek is dokimazo, which has two meanings: “to test or distinguish between truth and falsehood,” and “examine and approve of its worth,” which means to “approve the things that are excellent.” This verse has three implications.

First, believers should examine the truthfulness of all things. Towards the end of the world, many things appear true but are not in reality in the world and in faith. We need to familiarize ourselves with the Bible, grasp the key points, and test the truthfulness of all things in faith with various scriptures. When we face a dilemma between right and wrong, we need to call on God for guidance. Praying with purity in heart is the key to knowing His judgments. Additionally, we can also seek confirmation from others for the truth. In areas with internet access, people can distinguish between the authenticity and falsity of various things. We can also experience the authenticity of innocuous things.

Second, we should love the excellent things. The purpose of distinguishing between authenticity and falsehood is to confirm what is valuable, and then to love what is true and beautiful. Out of human propensity to love God’s blessings, we naturally choose everything that is truly valuable to be benefited; it is the same on the road of faith. We all want what is good. But when the better ones are found, the good ones are normally abandoned. Paying the price and letting go are necessary for us in the process of constantly discerning, choosing the best, and discarding the second-best. If you consult some wise people, you may be able to learn quickly to avoid the poorer choices for you.

Third, be determined to be a sincere and blameless person. In the process of ongoing acceptance of true and excellent things, our hearts are gradually molded into God’s sincerity. For example, there are believers who are familiar with the Old Testament who follow many spiritual laws and live blessedly. However, when they read the New Testament carefully, they discover the pursuit of life from Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As a result, they emphasize the Old Testament less, but pursue God’s presence and guidance more for spiritual enrichment. This is one example of letting go of the good and striving for the best. Finally, we need to ask the Spirit to cleanse our conscience and make us more blameless and sincere.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think you can quickly tell the truth from the fake ones? If you have trouble, how can you improve in this aspect?

2) Are you willing to let go of the good and pursue the best? Is it difficult for you to give up the second-best? Why?