photo credit to webpronenews.com
“…whatever is honorable…dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
The example of honor came over me like a crashing wave. As I followed the stories of the Costa Concordia, the luxury cruise liner that crashed last Friday into rocks off the coast of Italy and has been sinking into the freezing water, I immediately came across a glaring example of what is not considered honorable.
The ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, who is under investigation for manslaughter, is also facing other charges. Apparently, Italian navigation code says that “a captain who abandons a ship in danger can face up to 12 years in prison“. I had always thought that the old axiom about a captain going down with his ship was a moral principal, I had no idea that it was a law.
As I continued to read story after story of the sinking cruise ship, I would rejoice with the rest of the world when more people would be found alive. Today, I came across a story that brought tears to my eyes and I knew that I had found something that was truly honorable.
In a story from the Montreal Gazette, I read the heart wrenching account of Nicole Servel, a 61 year old Frenchwoman who survived Friday’s crash, but lost her husband in the disaster. The trip was a gift given to them by their children to celebrate her 60th Birthday. She tells of the last moments she had with her husband. They stood on the edge of the sinking ship with one life jacket between them. Her husband gave her the life jacket and told her to jump into the 8 degree water. Because she isn’t a swimmer, when she landed in the water, all she could do was float. The last thing that he yelled to her as he tried to stay afloat in the icy water was, “Don’t worry! I’ll be alright.” And then she never saw him again. Eventually she floated to a place where she was spotted by strangers who got her out of the water and took her to a church to get warm.
So, what makes one man abandon his ship and another man give up his life for his wife? Honor for certain. But, how is it that one man can attain such respect and authority and not be truly honorable when the waters rise and another can live a simple life and be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice?
I’m sure the answer is LOVE.
That should encourage those of us who seek the presence of the Lord in our lives. He is LOVE and his desire is for us to love each other. It won’t be smooth sailing, but at least we know we are on the right course.
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8
The above post is part of the “Dwell on These Things” Series. Subscribe to Adventures in the Ordinary (click the box in the top right corner, and add your email address) to insure that you don’t miss any of the 8 Post Series. Thank you for reading and being an encouragement in my life!
Whatever is True…Imagination and True Love’s Kiss
Whatever is Right…When a Superhero can’t save the day
Whatever is Pure…Sex on the Keyboard
Whatever is Lovely…My Lovely Rubbermaid Container
Whatever is of Good Repute…Don’t Want to Drop the Ball
follow the butterfly to the start of the series 
3 comments
7 pings
Sylvia R
January 17, 2012 at 8:10 am (UTC -7)
What a story! What a shame! And what a beautiful contrasting picture of Christ and His love! Thank you for this excellent illustration of what honor is and isn’t, and what it’s rooted in. Memorable.
Sylvia R recently posted..Gloomiest Day of the Year
Shanda Oakley
January 17, 2012 at 9:11 am (UTC -7)
Wow, I hadn’t heard that story. Yes, love is what makes the difference in the way we react to extreme or stressful circumstances.
Mike Crandall
January 17, 2012 at 9:38 am (UTC -7)
To me, this is a real life example of Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”, and the distinct difference in God’s calling on men.
Dwell On These Things » Adventures in the Ordinary
January 16, 2012 at 5:09 pm (UTC -7)
[...] Whatever is Honorable…O Captain, my Captain…where was your honor? [...]
Sex on the Keyboard » Adventures in the Ordinary
January 27, 2012 at 2:13 pm (UTC -7)
[...] Whatever is Honorable…O Captain, my Captain…where was your honor? [...]
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January 27, 2012 at 2:13 pm (UTC -7)
[...] O Captain, my Captain…where was your honor? » [...]
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January 30, 2012 at 10:05 pm (UTC -7)
[...] « O Captain, my Captain…where was your honor? [...]
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January 31, 2012 at 7:22 am (UTC -7)
[...] Whatever is Honorable…O Captain, my Captain…where was your honor? [...]
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February 7, 2012 at 11:21 am (UTC -7)
[...] Whatever is Honorable…O Captain, my Captain…where was your honor? [...]
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February 24, 2012 at 12:57 pm (UTC -7)
[...] Whatever is Honorable…O Captain, my Captain…where was your honor? [...]