“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4.8)
Monday
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true…think on these things.”
Paul is talking about what we think about, because what goes on in our heads directly affects how we behave, and reveals what we value. Right thinking leads to right doing. Of all places where truth is told, and where what is true is faithfully upheld, the community of Christ should be the safest place for truth. So when we talk about someone, we are called as followers of Christ to think with integrity, to choose our words carefully, to be curators of truth, and persons of trust.
Tuesday
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is worthy of respect…think on these things.”
In a culture that often glorifies the trivial, values the superficial, and takes pleasure in demeaning and diminishing others, respect is an important antidote. Christians are called to an inner life that honours each person, and refuses to play the game of not taking other people seriously. The word can translate as treating others with dignity, a recognition and respecting of the image of God in each and all human persons.
Wednesday
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is just…think on these things.”
This is a key word in Christian vocabulary. We are justified (made just) by faith; the just shall live by faith; God justifies, makes the heart right. The life that flows from being made right is characterised by right behaviour. Thus we welcome others as Christ welcomed us; we love because God first loved us; we forgive as forgiven sinners. In all our relationships and ethical choices, we live the life of the justified, walking in holiness, couriers of the love of God, doers of what is right, and just.
Thursday
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is pure…think on these things.”
There is a Glasgow saying that captures the exact opposite of what Paul means. It’s used when something is outrageously wrong and completely unacceptable. It is called “a pure disgrace.” To think of whatever is pure is to look for, consider, and try to emulate in our thoughts and actions what is pure grace! To admire and encourage self-giving service; to acknowledge and give thanks for acts and words of kindness; to see the good and recognise the worth of those whose lives intersect with our own. Paul is writing to a church where some folk are at loggerheads. This whole verse is a call to a changed mind-set, to think of each other with the mind of Christ.
Friday
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is lovely…think on these things.”
Fill the mind with what is good, true and beautiful. Think about what is lovely, and loveable. Paul is pointing away from the ugliness of negativity, criticism, and never seeing anything good in someone else. This old chorus gets it spot on: “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me / all God’s wondrous compassion and purity / O, thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine, / till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.” Aye, that will do! With the heart and eyes of Christ, think about “all that is beautiful in creation and in human lives.” Think of whatever calls forth love - and do it!
Saturday
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is of good report…think on these things.”
The word means commendable, whatever is good and praiseworthy. Think about the kind of things that enhance and enrich your life and the lives of others. Such thinking is the opposite of the spirit of criticism. Again Paul is encouraging the kind of thinking that is amiable, friendship-building, having a reputation as someone who is conciliatory, generous in spirit, and refuses to gossip to another person’s hurt. Throughout this whole verse Paul is describing the recovery of a healthy ecology of the heart and mind, in which by God’s grace, toxins are dealt with, and the channels of conversations and relationships are kept clear and clean.
Sunday
“If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
There you have it. Think! But think about what you are thinking. As someone wrote, “It’s not what you think you are; it’s what you think, you are!” Our inner life is mostly hidden from everyone else, except God. But if we seek to follow faithfully after Christ, then how we think, what we think, and why we think it, is an important and inevitable discipline of our discipleship. Of course we are all unprofitable servants; and we know, “every thought of holiness is His alone.” But the life of the mind is part of who we are in Christ. “We have the mind of Christ”, wrote Paul. And in this very letter he had urged, “Have this mind in you which you have in Christ Jesus…”
More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn, more of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me.
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