Too many people are living stressed-out, dysfunctional, and turbulent lives because they (and the people around them) aren’t heeding the practical exhortation of the Apostle Paul in Philippians. If you want to live in peace and joy, pay attention to this verse:
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. (Philippians 4:8, KJV)
Let’s break this verse down.
First, the verse is about thinking–specifically how to focus our mind. The Greek word behind “think” in this verse is λογίζομαι (logizomai). It means to “consider,” “reckon,” or “meditate on.” The idea is on what we fixate on–how we focus our minds.
Paul gives us a list of things to focus on or meditate on. Basically, that list is anything that entails the following qualities:
- True: ἀληθής (alēthēs) – It means “genuine,” “real,” or “true to fact.”
- Honest: σεμνός (semnos) – It refers to things that are “honorable,” “reverent,” or “dignified.”
- Just: δίκαιος (dikaios) – It means “righteous,” “upright,” or “just in conduct.”
- Pure: ἁγνός (hagnos) – It signifies “pure,” “chaste,” or “free from defilement.”
- Lovely: προσφιλής (prosphilēs) – It denotes “amiable,” “lovable,” or “pleasing.”
- Good Report: εὔφημος (euphēmos) – It means “commendable,” “praiseworthy,” or “well-spoken of.”
- Virtue: ἀρετή (aretē) – It signifies “excellence,” “moral goodness,” or “virtue.”
- Praise: ἔπαινος (epainos) – It refers to “praise,” “commendation,” or “approval.”
In a few days (as of this writing), I’ll be vacationing with my family at Surfside Beach (near Myrtle Beach) in South Carolina. And I’ll be sitting out on the beach taking in the ocean waves. Does that pass the Philippians 4:8 test?
You bet!
Meditating on and relaxing in God’s creation most definitely entails what is “lovely,” “pure,” and worthy of “praise.”
Now, if I were to seek out opportunities to lust after other women on the beach (which, for the record, I don’t do), then that would not pass the Philippians 4:8 test. Some might consider gazing at another attractive human being as “lovely,” but lust is not pure, virtuous, or praiseworthy.
What about fun and games? My family and I will be playing Phase 10, Uno, Scrabble, Monopoly, and chess at the beach. Do those games pass the Philippians 4:8 test?
Again, yes — at least the way we play them. 🙂
First, we don’t gamble. We just play for fun and fellowship.
Now, there are some people who have such a competitive spirit that playing games ceases to be a pleasant time of bonding between family and friends and becomes instead a stressful experience that (if anything) drives people apart. There’s nothing wrong with being competitive in the right context but remember this…
Relationships are almost always more important than accomplishments.
When our family plays games, it’s to enjoy each other’s company. That definitely passes the Philippians 4:8 test.
What about going to the movies?
It depends on the movie. Some movies are perfectly fine to see. Others, not so much.
What about hitting a bar and getting drunk?
Um… No. Read Proverbs 20:1 and Ephesians 5:18.
I could keep going with examples, but you get the idea.
You’ll need to prayerfully exercise some wisdom and discernment when it comes to what specifically you focus your mind upon, but Paul gives you the blueprint in Philippians 4:8.
Follow that blueprint and you’re guaranteed to have greater peace of mind.
God bless you!
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