Give Your Attitude a Philippians 4:8 Adjustment

A thermostat needs to be adjusted to regulate the temperature in a room. A camera lens (at least on professional cameras) needs adjustment to bring things into focus and better capture the beauty of that which you want to photograph. And…

Your attitude needs routine adjustment so that you can better enjoy life and navigate through its challenges and difficulties.

The Apostle Paul offers a great way to adjust our attitude in Philippians 4:8, which reads (in the KJV)…

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The overall theme of the book of Philippians is of course joy. Paul writes to the church in Philippi expressing his gratitude and encouraging them to find joy in every circumstance, both in times of suffering and times of abundance. He emphasizes the importance of unity, humility, and serving others as a means of experiencing joy in Christ. Overall, the book of Philippians is a call to rejoice in the Lord always and find joy and contentment in him regardless of one’s circumstances.

In the fourth chapter, as he winds up, he encourages people to take their burdens and anxieties and give them to God in prayer. He promises that God will answer our prayers with peace. And then Paul gives us verse 8.

We often have the habit of giving worries to God –and then taking them back. Paul tells us to give our worries to God and let God keep them. We then need to focus on the things listed in Philippians 4:8.

And what are those things? Well, whatever is…

1. True (ἀληθῆ) – Alethe – True, trustworthy, genuine
2. Noble (σεμνά) – Semna – Venerable, honorable, worthy of respect
3. Just (δίκαια) – Dikaia – Righteous, just, fair
4. Pure (ἁγνά) – Hagna – Pure, chaste, clean
5. Lovely (προσφιλῆ) – Prosphile – Pleasing, lovely, amiable
6. Of good report (εὔφημα) – Euphem Of good report, well-spoken of, reputable
7. Virtue (ἀρετὴ) – Arete – Virtue, excellence, goodness
8. Praise (ἔπαινος) – Epainos – Praise, commendation, approval

Anything that fits one or more of the above descriptions is something we can focus on or meditate upon.

When we do this, we’ll enjoy much better attitudes. We’ll appreciate life more. And the people in our lives will appreciate us more.