Your Spiritual Journey
Whatcha Thinkin About
Whatcha Thinkin’ About?
Unlike difficult letters written to correct a multiplicity of errors (see First Corinthians…and Second Corinthians), Paul joyful words of instruction and encouragement to the Philippians leap off the page as we read them. He prays that their “love may abound more in knowledge and depth of insight” (1:9). He encourages them to be “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” and to, “in humility, value others about yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others” (2:3-4). Paul says that doing so will make his joy complete. Throughout the book, Paul praises them for their love, encourages unity, and tells them not to be anxious about anything! I encourage you to read the entire epistle today; at four chapters, it should take about 15 minutes.
Before, thanking them for their gifts and signing off, Paul gives the Philippians a final piece of advice:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (4:8-9).
Paul’s words are so beautiful! It is clear what the Lord expects his children to treasure and meditate on, but how often do we focus our attention on things that are dishonorable, wrong, polluted, ugly, or unexceptional? It is easy to allow such negativity to infect our attitude, speech, actions, and relationships. Instead, Paul tells us to fill our thoughts with beauty and truth. I pray that we recognize when our thoughts are consumed with things that are not excellent and praiseworthy, and that we can replace them with things that are. Paul must have mastered this. Even in his chains, Paul tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!”
Jim
