Every week I do a set of TFTD for our church community. This one seems to have a particular resonance for the times we are living through. I'm posting it in case it's of some help in trying to do some mind decluttering of some of the rubbish that often accumulates without us noticing.
Thought for the Day June 20-26
Text for the Week: “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.” (Philippians 4.8)
Monday
““Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true...think about such things.”
Our culture is suffering from truth decay. Accusations of lying, dishonesty and deceit are thrown around by our politicians. Gossip and innuendo destroy reputations on social media. The Bible calls us to truthfulness in the inward parts, to integrity, and trust. Those who follow Jesus the Truth are called to think about, practice and speak “whatever is true.”
Tuesday
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is noble…think on these things.
Respect. That too is a way of seeing people and thinking about life that can be in short supply in lour abrasive in your face world. The word noble means honourable, worthy of respect. It is a noble thing to speak with kindness and consideration – it’s a way of showing respect. So when you see someone, anyone, take into account that they too are made in God’s image, and their worth and dignity is worthy of –respect.
Wednesday
“Finally, brothers and sisters…whatever is right…think on these things.”
We are citizens of heaven. We are called to live for the common good of all who share life with us. Our words, actions and thoughts are to take account of what is right in God’s sight. What is just, merciful and shows love for our neighbour. Those made righteous in Christ are called to make right what is wrong, and to help repair what is broken. Look around, think about it, is there anything we can make right?
Thursday
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is pure…think on these things.”
“Who can come near to God, those with pure hands” says the Psalmist. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” In Proverbs a pure heart is contrasted with “the thoughts of the wicked”. To think purely is to have singleness of heart about what is right, good and true. “Purity of heart is to will one thing,” wrote the Danish Christian Kierkegaard. So, seek first the Kingdom of God and the rest will follow.
Friday
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is lovely…think on these things.”
It’s hard to look into the soft geometry of a rose and stay in a bad mood. Or to stand looking at a sunset and hang on to our anger. Or to listen to a skylark without feeling there’s something downright right with the world! Or for that matter, to remember those acts of kindness from folk that made all the difference to us when we felt unloved and unnoticed. It’s lovely when these things happen. Think about it…often.
Saturday
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is admirable…think on these things.”
“Whatsoever is of good report” as an earlier translation has it. What do people talk about that they think is good – like Captain Tom’s fundraising walk, or people like E who trains guide dogs to help others, or S who does shopping for a 90 year old recovering from a knee operation, or K who regularly phones to encourage folk who are struggling. None of these folk talk about what they do – but the people who are helped do. Think about that, says Paul, and have a go at doing what is admirable!
Sunday
“Finally brothers and sisters…whatever is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
What we think about is a big clue to what goes on in our hearts, what’s important in our lives, and where our priorities, anxieties and hopes are invested. Paul is encouraging us to build our virtues – integrity of character, respect for others, upholding right, purity of motive, time for loveliness, support for goodness. Virtue doesn’t just happen. We make choices often enough they become habits, which become traits of character, and these begin to shape our identity. Fair enough – our identity is that we are citizens of heaven, children of God, followers of Jesus.
But how? Remember Paul’s words at the start of his letter to the Christians in Philippi. God finishes what God starts!
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (1.5- 6)
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